Vintage African Fon Peoples Asen Alter Staff in Iron and Brass with Freestanding Black Metal Stand

Vintage Asen Altar staff with a central iron post that has five separate supports flared around an iron metal disk. On top of this disk a seated ancestor sits upon a stool in front of a cruciform object. This brass figure is finely detailed with an expressive face, and is wearing a long robe and a soldier’s cap. The brass has oxidized to a light green coloration. There is also hand hammered brass trim around the base. The entire object shows long exposure to the elements with a varied patina of age an ritual use. 

A genuine and ritually use work of tribal art from Benin. The Fon peoples create these staffs to pay homage to deceased ancestors, and they are consecrated with ritual offerings on auspicious occasions as well as carried during important funerary rites.

This is a freestanding piece of art on a museum quality black metal base 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: early/mid-20th Century

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 

Staff: 33.5 in. H (Total), 15 in. H (Top Decorative Portion) X 10 in. Diam. (Top Portion)

Base: 7 in. L X 7 in. W X .25 in. H / Total: 34 in. H

Reference: The Met