Observation

Majority of the candidates attempted this question. Many of them performed very well. The candidates were expected to answer in the following way:

(a)              Art media used by the Fon people
-     Wood.
-     Brass.
-     Bronze.
-     Metal.
-     Clay.
-     Calabash.
-     Fabric.
-     Colours.

(b)              Characteristics of Fon sculptures
-     Elongated forms.
-     Naturalistic.
-     Cylindrical forms.
-     Some of the statues are with swords in hand.
-     Some depict kings with related motifs.
-     Carvings covered with sheets of brass and silver with embossed inscriptions.
-     Some in wood, but majority are in bronze and brass.
-     Wood carvings are in the round.
-     Some of figures are miniatures.
-     Moulded works are in low relief.
-     Modelled works and statues are painted in bright colours.
-     Some carved works carry embossed decorations.
-     Metal figures always dressed in war tunic.
-     Textiles are in applique.
-     Textiles designs always evoke proverbs and authority.                                

(c)              Functions of Fon art
-     Staffs made of iron and brass were used to affirm kingly power.
-     Some are used for religion purposes.
-     Some are used for social purposes.
-     Some are for aesthetics values of their culture.
-     Used for economic purposes.
-      To evoke proverbs and authority.
-     Use as object of prestige.
-     To depict their culture.
-     Used as farming implements.
-     To depict war god.