Late 19th / Early 20th Century Fon Boccio

The Fon people are a major West African ethnic and linguistic group in the country of Benin and in southwest Nigeria. Their religion, Voudon, centers around a vast pantheon of gods and spirits, many of which are animals. This ferocious-looking creature is a boccio, a small figure carved of wood that was used in religious rituals. Lavished with offerings or called forth through sacred ceremonies performed by a priest, the boccio was called upon for individual protection or on behalf of the well being of an entire community. Resembling a dog or a lion, this masterfully carved boccio is detailed with large protruding eyes and the fearsome bared teeth of a guardian.