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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Onile Sculptures : Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Man
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Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Man - PF.4760
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 18
th
Century AD
to 19
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
4.25" (10.8cm) high
x 1.875" (4.8cm) wide
Collection: African Art
Medium: Lead
£5,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
Onile, or "Owner of the House", are free-
standing figures usually found in pairs. They are
cast at the founding of a settlement and
establishment of an Osugbo Lodge, and will
serve an entire Lodge. They symbolize the
original progenitors, the male and female
members of the Osugbo, and by extension the
entire community. This very charming Onile is
representational of the distinctive style used for
such figures, with its bulging eyes, elongated
face, broad shoulders and thin arms. A unique
feature is the clever way the legs appear folded,
giving the impression he is very comfortable. The
seated pose and "devotional" locking of hands at
the abdomen may be associated with oath-
taking, or paying of homage. Oniles have their
sex organs clearly visible, as in this case the
male's genitals are discreet but apparent. This
small figure is very large in meaning, and
represents the values and mores that have long
been associated with the Yoruba people.
- (PF.4760)
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