Vodun

Unveiling for the first time an exceptional group of voodoo sculptures from the West African nations of Benin and Togo, this volume brings together nearly one hundred bocio—small fetishistic figurines—from the collection of the renowned African primitive art collectors Anne and Jacques Kerchache. Anthropomorphic sculptures made of wood, textile, bone, string, and shell, many of these bocio were used for protection, healing, and to inflict harm on enemies, imbuing them with a meaning that adds to their physical appeal. In addition to two hundred newly commissioned photographs by Yuji Ono showing the mystery and beauty of these works, a series of personal photographs and texts throughout illustrate the Kerchaches’ passion for African statuary. Published in tandem with the first major exhibition devoted uniquely to the vodun arts, Vodun includes contributions by, among others, Suzanne Preston Blier, Gabin Djimassé, Marc Augé, and Patrick Vilaire.