Early 19th Century Yoruba Asen Altar

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/30/2021

Early 19th Century Yoruba Asen Altar - Asen altars or memorial sculptures were made by Fon artists in the coastal city of Ouidah, and were created with forged and cut-out iron figured, usually riveted to a large iron disk. The central figure refers to the deceased, in this case unknown if male or female the figure is dressed in robes sitting on a chair, holding a cane in one hand and another staff or cane above their head in the other. Surrounded by hanging crosses along the exterior of the disc, as well as other figures such as birds, possibly wheat or another grain, a basket. Each asen bears imagery that refers to a particular ancestor's occupation, religious beliefs and family heritage. The representational choices are analogous to an inscription on a tombstone or a newspaper obituary. Asen are more difficult to interpret however, since the individual details refer to proverbs and personal names, often using puns. The Fon themselves say that the only people who can fully read the symbols of an asen are its maker and the donor who commissioned it. Size on custom stand 47'' H x 11'' W (approx.) Condition; overall thick patina, some losses to crosses around the edge of the disc, missing 2 crosses around edge, wear commensurate with age, else in good condition.

Provenance: Dr. Peter T. Furst (1922-2015) collection thence by decent. Dr. Peter T. Furst was an anthropologist, author (150+ books) and teacher as well as the Foreign Fellow of the Linnean Society of London. Dr. Furst curated many exhibitions throughout the years.