Soul Vessel (Tson Bi)

Attie people, Southern Akan group, Côte d'Ivoire, African

20th century

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Standing male power figure with bent arms resting on distended abdomen; below abdomen, figure is unarticulated block, partially covered by animal skin and waist ornaments (large bell and metal jangles attached to cord). Animal horn emerges vertically from top of head. Face has slitted, bulbous eyes, broad nose, protruding and slightly upturned open mouth, square beard. Necklace of glass beads, animal teeth, seed pods hangs from neck onto abdomen. Umbilical area has opening where medicinal materials once existed.
Gold Weight in Pyramid Form, Akan group, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, African, brass
Phallic-shaped vessel with flared opening at the base, covered with patterns of reticulated ridges and raised bumps
Mythical figure