Estimate
€ 1.500 - 2.000
Sold
€ 1.905
The price includes buyer's premium
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Information
81 × 28 × 25 cm
wood with dark patina pigments, period breakage.
wood with dark patina pigments, period breakage.
It represents a woman of rank holding the “Shango,” the divinatory emblem of sovereigns, in her hands.
The lot is sold together with a certificate of expertise from Totem Gallery, Venice, Italy
Provenance
Totem Gallery, Venice, Italy
Exhibition
Arte Africana. "Fertilità e Maternità", 9 July – 3 October 2007 Totem Gallery, Venice, Italy
Specialist Notes
The word “YORUBA” refers both to a language and to the population living in southeastern Nigeria and the neighboring Republic of Benin. Legend has it that Shango was the name of the fourth Yoruba king, who was later deified and associated with thunder. His symbol is the double axe, and he is one of the most important Yoruba deities.The female figure with child, pictured here, probably decorated the altar dedicated to Shango in a court palace or temple of worship. The sculpture depicts a woman kneeling in homage and respect, presenting her son to the deity. The symbol of Shango, the double axe, is present on the heads of both the mother and child, both of whom are therefore followers of Shango. The sacred color, indigo, is on the symbol and on the woman's hairstyle. The faces of both bear the marks of elaborate scarification. Traces of red pigment (earth) and kaolin are still present on the bodies and on the base of the sculpture.
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