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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Protective Figure (Bocio)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Protective Figure (Bocio)

Artist/Maker (Benin)
Date20th century
Mediumwood, gourd, cotton, iron, fruit pits, cowrie shells and encrustation
DimensionsOverall: 26 1/2 x 10 1/8 x 8 1/2 in. (67.3 x 25.7 x 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.2
    DescriptionBocio are prescribed as protective images for individuals and their families. Only the person who made it knows the materials that empower it. The wooden figure is simply the armature on which the magical ingredients are placed.
    On View
    On view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Hausa people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Borana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ewe people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maasai people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Shama Woto
    1950s
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    not dated