Yoruba Shrine Relic Male Figure Nigeria
Width: 4.0
Description
This relic-like figure has seen long service in a shrine from the evidence of the surface and accumulation of clay and pigment. The left hand and arm are extended and most likely held in a carved cup. The left arm was also repaired being held into place with nails indicating the age and importance to its owner that it appears to continue to have been used on a shrine even after the figure was damaged and worn through use.
Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, an intricate combination of myth and religion explains the history, categorizes natural phenomena, and describes various deities known as “orishas” who form a complex religion with many different faces and an equally complex set of images. Shango is known as the “Thunder God” who caused lightning to flash and was responsible for the many early stone tools (era eEdun found in the region that people believed fell to the earth when Shango cast llightningbolts downwards to earth. Eshu (Esu) manipulates creative energies, communicates with the gods, and embraces secret knowledge. He can become invisible, appear in an instant, and mystify us bwithher actions or appearance.
AG1122
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century.
People: ["Yoruba"]
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.