Staff "eshu" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3036146

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, remains of pigments, strings of glass beads, sacrificial traces, carved with the bearded face of “eshu”, who is identified by the projecting lobe, baring a further face of “eshu” on the rear, smoking a long pipe, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the male deity of “eshu” played an important role in Yoruba religion. No sacrifice could ever be made without granting a gift to “eshu”, because he was looked upon as a mediator between humans and deities. How much he is still present in everyday life becomes obvious on market places where always a small “eshu” altar is erected.

The object Staff “eshu” with the object ID 3036146 was last part of the auction 76th tribal art auction at March 22, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 484 achieved a sales price of EUR 500.

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Comparing literature

Drewal, Henry John, African Artistry, Atlanta 1980, p. 27