Pair of shrine figures "eshu" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3034386
Udo Petry, Hohnhorst, Germany
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, male/female, both provided with the typical “eshu” lobe, drilled holes in the eyes, tribal marks on the face, leather bands, slightly dam., minor missing parts at the base of the female figure;
“Eshu” is said to be a mediator between the deities and the humans. He is dreaded, because he is able to cross the positive sinews of the deities. His contradictory character is represented by contrasting pairs, such as old man/child, giant/dwarf or like in present case man/woman. The phallic lobe and the flute are interpreted as expression of his aggressive sexuality. “Eshu” can be looked upon as messenger of the king, blowing his pipe, in order to announce the arrival of important people.
The object Pair of shrine figures “eshu” with the object ID 3034386 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 236.
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