Zemanek-Münster

Amulet of the "eshu" cult

Nigeria, Yoruba
sold EUR 1,000
Provenance
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 27 November 2004, lot 330
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany
Size
H: 11,5 cm
H: 4.5 inch

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, carved with long neck plait, which is characteristic for “eshu”, leather strap with cowrie strings around the neck, veiling the small body entirely, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
devotees of “eshu” used to wear such amulets on their wrists during ritual dances and masquerades.


Comparing literature

Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, p. 137, ill. 124

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