Shrine figure "eshu"
Nigeria, Yoruba
sold
EUR 600
Provenance
acquired in Copenhagen, Denmark (1960’s)Poul Mørk (1938 – 2013), Copenhagen, Denmark. Curator of the African Collections Departement at the National Museum of Denmark
Size
H: 41 cm
H: 16.1 inch
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, strongly encrusted in some areas, characteristic feature: long plait, insect caused damage (above all on the face), cracks (backside), abrasion of paint;
“eshu” is known as the “trickster god”, his functions are educative but at the same time roguish. How important “eshu” is, can be seen on market places where nearly always a little altar for “eshu” can be found and which is venerated daily with palm oil libations.