{"product_id":"vintage-fon-venavi-twin-figures-pair-benin-carved-wood-african-sculpture-11in-ba-1273","title":"Vintage Fon Venavi Twin Figures Pair Benin Carved Wood African Sculpture 11\"","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscover a deeply spiritual and beautifully expressive piece of West African heritage with this authentic antique pair of twin figures (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"136\"\u003eVenavi\u003c\/i\u003e). Originating from the Fon people of the Republic of Benin, this male and female pair stands 11 inches tall and showcases the distinct, highly stylized aesthetic of traditional West African carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHand-carved from a single piece of dense hardwood, each figure features an elongated torso, a prominent umbilical region, and beautifully stylized, oversized circular ears. The female figure is adorned with intricate, original coiled metal wire earrings draped over her ears, and both figures retain their traditional thin red bead cords around their necks and waists. The rich, dark-brown encrusted patina displays generations of handling, highlighting the exceptional devotional life of these sculptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Historical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"7\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Sacred Cult of Twins:\u003c\/b\u003e In the Fon culture of Benin (as well as neighboring Yoruba traditions), twins (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"105\"\u003ehoho\u003c\/i\u003e) are revered as divine blessings possessing powerful spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Venavi Tradition:\u003c\/b\u003e When a twin passes away, a \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"49\"\u003eVenavi\u003c\/i\u003e figure is carved as a physical vessel to house the departed twin's soul. The family treats the statue with the same love and care as a living child—feeding, washing, and dressing it—to keep the spirit happy, ensuring the family receives blessings rather than misfortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMasterful Iconography:\u003c\/b\u003e The scarification grids on the foreheads and cheeks signify lineage, identity, and protection, while the highly emphasized ears and eyes represent the spirit's heightened ability to hear and watch over the living family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eItem Details \u0026amp; Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 11 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWidth:\u003c\/b\u003e 3 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDepth:\u003c\/b\u003e 2.8 inches (each figure)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Indigenous hardwood, metal wire, glass trade beads\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Good antique condition with a stunning, authentic aged patina. The female figure features her historic wire ear ornaments. The male figure has a stable, historic chip\/loss along the upper rim of his left ear, which is a testament to its authentic age, ritual handling, and journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60098884141342,"sku":"BA-1273","price":360.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/s-l1600_38bfe672-5600-4127-97af-ba58c7751743.jpg?v=1790851194","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-fon-venavi-twin-figures-pair-benin-carved-wood-african-sculpture-11in-ba-1273","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}