Zemanek-Münster

Figural lid of a "woota Eyinle" receptacle

Nigeria, Yoruba, Egbado, "Rival of Abatan"
sold EUR 600
Provenance
collected in situ in the 1960s
Saxer, Switzerland
René Rickli, Olten, Switzerland
Size
H: 33,5 cm
H: 13.2 inch

Description

ceramic / terracotta, labeled “Sax.”

Present figural lid is a work ot the female master potter called the “rival of Abatan”. The somewhat peculiar title was awarded to distinguish her from the Egbado Master Potter “Abatan”.

A vessel lid of the same artist shown in Drewal (1989), p. 228, ill. 271. Another work was auctioned on June 27, 2015 as lot 373 at Zemanek-Münster.

In the “woota eyinle” vessels the “stones of Eyinle” were kept in fresh river water. They embodied the life force “ase” inherent in all creatures and symbolized divine power.


Comparing literature

Drewal, Henry John & John Pemberton, Yoruba, New York 1989, p. 228, ill. 271

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