A West African (Benin) copper alloy (bronze) device. Reputedly a ritual object to indicate potable water and avoid its pollution, being placed visibly in a water source. Torus shape with flanged slot and four affixed spheres, with various surface decorations. Provenance: Purchased at Eskenazi Ltd., London by Dr Alvin Friedman-Kien (prominent dermatologist, virologist and noted collector), subsequently bought by our owner in the early 1980s. Width 17.5 cm