A fine wood figure accompanied by a dog

Description:

Yoruba, Nigeria
H. 35 cm
Wood with a dark coating and indigo. Remarkably high-quality carving of the god “Orisha” “Eshu”. “Eshu” mediates between the world of spirits and the world of mortals. “Eshu” is regarded as the guardian of all rituals that invoke the blessings of the gods and can divert destructive forces. “Eshu” is depicted here playing his flute. The flute is the attribute of communication. Very unusual and rare in this context is the depiction of an animal, likely a dog, shown standing in front of “Eshu” on the plinth. The figure and the animal are adorned with fine glass bead bands. The surface is covered with residues of indigo powder. This type of figure was used as a shrine figure.
From the collection of Helmut Zake (1918-1995), Heidelberg, German historian and founder of the Society for Ethnology and Tribal Art, inherited within the family - Partial traces of age, slightly chipped and only few age cracks