Vintage Dahomey/Fon Applique Cloth

Dahomey/Fon appliqué cloth, purchased in Dahomey in the 1970s. Cloth stretched on wood frame. 30”x52”. The Fon people in southern Benin (formerly Dahomey) create appliqued cloths using traditional symbols that tell stories about the history of their culture. The motifs on this cloth are common symbols: The bird often represents the peacock or other avian symbols of royalty and mythological figures. The fish frequently symbolizes King Houegbadja, the founder of the Dahomey kingdom, represented by a fish escaping a wicker trap. Historically, these designs were linked to proverbs and the specific symbols of various Dahomey kings to tell stories of conquest and power. Cash or Zelle only. Pickup from West Loop/Greektown from residential building with doorman.