Ancient Botchio sculpture topped by a beautiful smiling head with a gentle strangeness, the body carved into the trunk in a slightly sinuous oblong spindle. "The Botchio is a statue made by the village blacksmith using the trunk of a tree. The figure is one with the stake that supports it and that sinks into the ground. Placed at the entrance of the village or the house, the botchio protects its inhabitants by keeping away the prowlers and the ghosts. It is therefore seen by the whole community." J.K. Fon, Benin Wood, lichens, dents, cracks and erosions from age, patina of use. H. 136 cm Provenance : Anne and Jacques Kerchache Collection Exhibitions and publications : - Exhibition Botchio Sculptures Fon, Benin. Espace Paul Rebeyrolle 1996, reproduced pages 56, 57 and 80 of the catalog - Exhibition VAUDOU at La Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, Paris 2011, reproduced on pages 177, 187, 222 and 227 - Jacques Kerchache, Portraits Croisés, Ed. Gallimard Musée du Quai Branly 2003, reproduced page 106.