Lot: 181

Récade zoomorphe "makpo"

Bénin, Fon

Provenance Taille Adjugé
Justin Barthels, Maastricht, The Netherlands H: 49 cm Vendu

wood, brass, base

Originally, recades were used to legitimise royal messengers. The term "récade" was taken from the Portuguese "recado" (message).

In general, recades had different functions, were army insignia or were used ceremonially, especially in the cult of the thunder god Heviosso. The various types are referred to by the collective term "makpo".


Wilhelm, Gustav, Récaden aus der Sammlung Birgit Schlothauer und Gustav Wilhelm, Marl 2016