Figure Item Number: 2853/8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Standing male figure wearing a wide-brimmed, pointed hat and holding a pipe or horn to his mouth with his left hand. He is wearing a long tunic, open at the sides, with a pleat up the centre of both the front and back. In his right hand he is holding a staff with three rings placed at intervals on the shaft. Over his left shoulder is a patterned bag. The ears are large and round, holes are cut for eyes, mouth is slightly open, and the nose is prominent. The chin is pointed. The figure’s wide set legs are long, thin and straight where they protrude out from under his tunic; his small feet are planted firmly on a thin square base.
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 with a high nickel content.
Item History
- Made in Benin
- 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
- 2853/8
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- brass metal
- Overall
- height 21.3 cm, width 5.6 cm, depth 8.0 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
- 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
- 2853/0008