Male Figure (Alegba)

Ewe people, Republic of Benin (formerly Kingdom of Dahomey), African

20th century

  • Titles Male Figure (Alegba) (Descriptive)
  • Medium clay, metal, encrustation
  • Dimensions 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (14 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm)
  • Credit Line Anonymous gift, 1988.148
  • Work Type figure
  • Classification Sculpture

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Dark-brown, spherical vessel has lug handles on the sides and short, vertical neck; shoulder has incised arcs with overall roulette pattern below.
Hoe or currency blade
Face mask with rabbit features. Narrow vertical oval ears painted red with white interiors; protruding conical black eyes surrounded by concentric black rings with white pigment in-between; protruding open triangular mouth/snout, painted black, adorned with small incised triangles painted white and red. Oval perimeter of back of mask pierced with multiple holes to enable attachment of mask to dancer's head as well as attachment of fiber costume. This type of mask is worn by men during funeral or initiation ceremonies. Animal masks commemorate encounters that people have had with ancestors who appeared in the form of an animal.
Gold Weight in the Form of a Trumpet with Mandibles, Asante people or, Baule people, Akan group, Ghana or, Côte d'Ivoire, African, brass