Photo of collection object Fiegnon
Hazoumé, Romuald. Fiegnon, 2011. Plastic, fiber (possibly synthetic), metal (copper wire), 11 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 20.3 x 21.6 cm). Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, 2014.32.2. © Romuald Hazoume © artist or artist's estate.

Fiegnon

2011

Romuald Hazoumé

Beninese, born 1962

Arts of Africa

ART OF PORTRAITS
While Western artists have historically often attempted to represent a person exactly how they look, many African artists instead have created portraits based on a specific physical or personality feature of the subject.

This terracotta head, most likely depicting the oni, or king, of ancient Ife, shows that Yoruba sculpture was already highly developed a thousand years ago. Ife court art interprets the human figure with extraordinary naturalism. This head, however, is not intended to be truly representational or realistic. It shows the oni in the prime of life, with no imperfections.

Fiegnon is composed chiefly of a discarded oil jerry can. Although Fiegnon may appear to resemble a mask, Romuald Hazoumé has noted that his works are, in fact, portraits—of particular individuals or of social types. With its long braids, this work represents a Fulani man Hazoumé met fishing in the lagoon where he found the oilcan.

The striking differences in style and materials in these two portraits may also reflect a marked gap in status and power between their two subjects.
Maker/Artist
Hazoumé, Romuald
Classification
Sculpture
Formatted Medium
Plastic, fiber (possibly synthetic), metal (copper wire)
Dimensions
11 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 20.3 x 21.6 cm)
Departments
Arts of Africa
Accession Number
2014.32.2
Credit Line
Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund
Rights Statement
© artist or artist's estate
Dominant Colors

Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?

Similar Artworks

musefully

Open source Elasticsearch & Next.js museum search.

Let's Stay Connected