African Early-20th Century Fon Peoples Asen Altar/Staff in Aluminum from Benin with Black Metal Stand

Fon Peoples Asen Altar in iron and aluminum. This piece depicts a blacksmith in European attire, working with tools on a round base with several objects on each side. The base of the platform has coins attached by iron wire and the entire altar is supported by an iron staff with a five prong support.

These altars serve as memorials to the dead and are typically placed in family shrines. This example, made in aluminum, is an early type being that aluminum was considered a very precious metal at the turn of the century.

This is a freestanding piece of art on a museum quality black metal base newly powder coated flat black. It would provide interest in a variety of spaces from an entry to a great room to a hallway. This piece would work in a variety of interior settings from Wabi Sabi to Organic Modern, or Tribal to Folk Art. 

Place of Origin: Benin  

Date of Manufacture: 1920s

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Staff: 36.5 in. H (Total), 8 (Top Decorative Portion) X 12.25 in. Diam.

Base: 7 in. L X 7 in. W X .25 in. H / Total: 37 in. H

Reference: The Met