Figure Item Number: 2853/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A cast bronze figure wearing an elaborate headdress that has a woven cap with large curved elements attached on top and to the front. Smaller decorations hang down the neck of the figure in back, and long strings hang down to the waist, attached to the cap in front of the ears. A wide, ringed neck ornament juts out past the chin. The figure wears a long sleeved garment that ends mid-shin and is decorated with raised, angled lines that make a diamond pattern. The left arm is slightly bent, with the hand resting on the hip, while the left arm is bent at a 90 degree angle and the hand holds a large curved ornament or weapon with a twisted circular handle. This element is also attached to the figure at the head and thigh. The legs protrude from the bottom edge of the tunic at the mid-shin, and end in rough feet on a square base that is too small to balance the figure when standing.
Narrative
Marcel Ollivier was the French Consul General posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, c. 1960s-1970, during which time he purchased this collection of objects (2853/1-9). He later finished his diplomatic service in Vancouver as French Consul General from 1982-1986, after which he retired to England. The objects were donated to MOA at the specific request of Ollivier, via his daughter-in-law.
Specific Techniques
XRF analysis suggests the piece is made of brass, typical of the 18-19th centuries.
Item History
- Made in Benin ? between 1700 and 1900
- Collected between 1960 and 1970
- Owned by Marcel Ollivier
- Owned by Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier before December 9, 2010
- Received from Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier (Donor) on December 9, 2010
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- 2853/5
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- brass metal
- Overall
- height 34.4 cm, width 11.2 cm, depth 7.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Fon ?
- Previous Owner
- Marcel Ollivier and Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier
- Received from
- Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Benin ?
When
- Creation Date
- between 1700 and 1900
- Collection Date
- between 1960 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before December 9, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on December 9, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2853/0005