Shrine Figure
Artist: Yoruba people, Owo subgroup
Date: 16th or 17th century
Dimensions:
8 × 3 1/4 × 3 in. (20.3 × 8.3 × 7.6 cm)
Medium: Ivory, camwood powder
Place of Origin: Kingdom of Owo, Nigeria
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1976.40
Label Text:Carved of ivory, a prestige material reserved in Owo society for ceremonial and royal objects, this figure represents both a woman and a man. She has breasts, braided hair, and wears a full skirt. However, the Owo king dressed as a woman for special occasions to honor female ancestors and the hidden side of his own power. Balancing a pot of sacred water and healing herbs, the figure’s nude torso and implied kneeling posture signify humility while praying to the gods. The plain cylindrical base could mean that the figure was set on a ceremonial staff, but it could equally have been placed on a shrine as a perpetual worshiper.
On view
In Collection(s)