Staff for Eshu

Yoruba people, Nigeria, African

20th century

  • Titles Staff for Eshu (Descriptive)
  • Medium wood
  • Dimensions Overall: 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Mr. Edward M. Friend III, 1985.401
  • Work Type staff
  • Classification Furnishings and Equipment

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Voluminous poncho-type garment of narrow strip woven cotton and silk, natural tan silk exterior, lined with red and green striped cotton, with "eight knives" and other finely embroided motif
Mythical figure
Collector number EWLE 32
Standing male figure with flexed knees and solid block for feet; one hand on hip, one arm raised with elbow bent (hand broken off). Heart-shaped face with thick rims around eyes. Packets of medicinal material wrapped in fabric on abdomen and elbows. Surface colored with base of reddish-brown pigment; large white spots of pigment on body and white marks on face