Her masked visage somber, the Sanufo statuette watches over the home. This benevolent spirit protects a woman's marital happiness, shielding her from any amorous temptation outside the marriage. A traditional Benin tribal fetish, this handsome piece is crafted by Evans Doe Martey. } He carves the figure from sese wood, and finishes it with polish. Red cotton thread and gray bead earrings adorn the statue. I brought to life a century-old practice of warding off and protecting women from polygamous lives, the artist confides. To maintain the rich luster of the wood, clean with a dry cloth only.
