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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Onile Sculptures : Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Seated Woman
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Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Seated Woman - PF.4712
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
to 18
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9.25" (23.5cm) high
x 3.375" (8.6cm) wide
Collection: African Art
Medium: Lead
£5,600.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
The Onile, or 'owner-of-the-house' usually
comes in pairs and are made at the founding of
a settlement and the establishment of an Osugbo
lodge. They are generally made of either lead or
brass and symbolize the original progenitors.
These are the female and male members of the
Osugbo, and by extension the entire community.
This remarkable female is a lovely example of an
early Yoruba ancestral figure. She bears ritual
scarification in the form of three long slashes on
each cheek, a fine medallion necklace and a
wonderful headdress. The headdress is quite
similar in style to that of the male's, except the
conical shape is more pointed and there is a
series of rings descending on either side, and a
large one on the front. Onile statues typically
show the ancestor holding something tightly
against their abdomen; which may be a sacred
object connected with fertility. The thick patina
comes from many years of devotional offerings,
and gives visual proof of the importance this
figure had for the members of the Osugbo.
- (PF.4712)
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