Male figure - Fon peoples, ca. 1913-1917
Silver, H x W x D: 19 x 18 x 6.5 cm (7 ½ x 7 1/16 x 2 9/16 in.)
National Museum of African Art

The Fon peoples of the former Kingdom of Dahomey (modern Republic of Benin) built an empire controlled by an absolute monarch. They developed rich oral and visual art traditions, with major art objects commissioned by royalty. European travelers have cited the fashioning of prestige works in metal by Fon craftsmen since the 18th century. This silver figure of a man riding a lion is an elegant example of Fon metalwork and displays conventions associated with the finest Fon art. The threatening lion with its outstretched tongue, curled tail and turned head is similar to depictions on Fon altars (asen), bas reliefs and appliqué banners. The elongated forms and animated, naturalistic poses of the figures are characteristic of Fon work. The use of sheet, rather than cast, metal follows older Fon conventions. The figure represents Oudji, “king” of Porto Novo, who reigned from 1913 to 1929 and was a grandson of King Toffa (reigned 1874-1908). In fact, Oudji was called a paramount chief because the French colonial administration had abolished the traditional title of king after Toffa’s death. Oudji holds a plate engraved with his own name and that of Charles Noufflard, French governor of Dahomey from c. 1912-1913 to c. 1917-1919. The figure was almost certainly commissioned by Oudji himself as a gift to Noufflard. Oudji’s power to rule is expressed metaphorically by his mount, the king of the beasts the lion. In Dahomean art, the lion is also the personal symbol of King Glele (reigned 1858-1889). According to historical records, Oudji’s grandfather, King Toffa, in part owed his rise to power to Glele. As king, Oudji controlled his kingdom’s wealth, represented by the purse hanging at his side. [x]