Figural structure with equestrian figure and accompanying figures ·  Nigeria, Yoruba, Oniyide Adugbologe of Abeokuta · ID: 3049110

Description

wood, polychrome paint, hat worked separately, rest.

This magnificent figural object has been in the possession of Ursula Voorhuis since the 1970s.

It can be stylistically attributed to the master carver Oniyide (ca.1875 - ca.1947) from the famous sculptor family Adugbologe of Abeokuta.

A group of figures, which Hans Witte classified as Oniyide’s work, can serve as proof (cf. Witte, 2004, p. 68). The physiognomies show greatest similarities, from the treatment of eyes, nose, mouth and ears to facial scarification and body shapes.

The central motif is an equestrian figure with hat and lance. Thus, it could be the top of an “epa” mask representing the warrior “jagun-jagun”, who is also depicted as a mounted hunter and / or king. The group rises from a disc-shaped base. An original attachment on a helmet-shaped base “ikoko”, typical for “epa” masks, is quite conceivable.

The object Figural structure with equestrian figure and accompanying figures with the object ID 3049110 was part of the auction 99th Auction on November 12, 2022. The object with the lot number 92 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,100 with an asking price of EUR 900.

You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, p. 68 f.