Shrine Figure of a Standing Woman

Place of OriginNigeria

DateEarly 20th century

Dimensions14 1/2 × 4 3/8 × 4 5/8 in. (36.8 × 11.1 × 11.7 cm)

MediumWood, beads (stone and glass), iron bracelet on right arm; tin (?) anklet on right leg, fiber, blue pigment traces on most of surface

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2007.81

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 01

Label TextShango is the Yoruba god (orisa) of thunder and lightning. He was the mythical third ruler of the Oyo Kingdom, the father of many children, and the royal ancestor of the Yoruba people. He is the patron of music, dance, and entertainment, and he gives children to his devotees. The shaved forehead and elaborate, braided hairstyle of this female figure indicate her status as a devotee of Shango, created in order to stand continuously in one of his shrines. She holds a fan to cool the deity and binds her breasts in preparation for worship. Her nudity suggests fertility, but also her honesty, humility, and respect as a worshiper. The beads she wears are marks of distinction, representing status, wealth, spirituality, and sexuality.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Student Curators Present: African Art, April 27-July 24, 2012 (Hitchcock Gallery).