Sword Altarpiece
Fon, Republic of Benin
Iron, accumulation
Early 20th century

This sword was not used as a sword, but as an altarpiece on a shrine dedicated to the Vodun diety Gou. It would have received offerings to attract the attention of the diety, whose prerogative was iron and war (Blandin, Fer Noir. D'Afrique de L'Ouest, 1992).

Many Fon objects such as this sword are connected to the Vodun or magical ceremonies undertaken to contact the spirit world and trap harmful forces. Libations typically consist of blood, palm oil, and beer (and sometimes animal parts are added), which are believed to activate an object's spiritual power. The word Vodun is derived from the Yoruba language and also refers to the Fon gods.

The Fon live in the Dahomey kingdom, which is in the Republic of Benin. Oral tradition suggests the Dahomey kingdom was created by a Yoruba princess some time before the 17th century (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).

Puiblished: Blandin, Fer Noir. D'Afrique de L'Ouest, 1992, page 194, plate 3.

20.5 in :: 52 cm

InventoryID #13-2486

Price on Request