Beaded Vodun or Orisha Shrine Vessel, Benin

The Robbins Center For Cross Cultural Communication, Washington, D.C.

Good condition for an object of this material. Minor losses in beadwork. Glued cracks in calabash lid. Small glued crack to one side of bottom element. Small marks, nicks and surface abrasions to calabash. Sticker on underside with handwritten "WR 2".
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A closely related shrine vessel in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is described as follows (inv. no. "2007.215.7a,b", commentary by Joseph Adande, August 8th, 2007):  "[This vessel] definitely belongs to a vodun or orisha devotee.  At this point, it is hard to determine precisely which divinity was worshipped here.  However, the colour of the thread (purple) as well as the holes in the upper part of the lid would suggest a belonging to Sakpata or Shakpanan, earth god in charge of small pox.  This god is also called 'je non.' On another hand, the great number of shells might suggest an Odudua affiliation or an Oshun belonging.  The research ongoing with Christine Giuntini suggests the calabash was holding a personal miniaturized god, fed with protein (blood probably)."