Figure of Eshu

Yoruba people, Nigeria, African

20th century

  • Titles Figure of Eshu (Descriptive)
  • Medium wood
  • Dimensions Overall: 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Margaret Pennington, in honor of her mother, Mrs. Regina Kirchoff Mandrell, 1984.58
  • Work Type figure
  • Classification Sculpture

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Woven plant fiber tunic with attached porcupine quills.
Pear-shaped vessel has short, narrow foot and lid with knob handle; body and lid covered with pinched points.
Staff surmounted by the double axe motif, stylized reference to the thunderbolt believed to be hurled from the skies by Shango, with kneeling female figure.
This "undress" crown is a type of headgear worn by a Yoruba king on festive or ceremonial occasions that do not warrant the wearing of the most important veiled and beaded crown