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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Terracotta Vessels : Yoruba Terracotta Lid of a Diviner's Bowl
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Yoruba Terracotta Lid of a Diviner's Bowl - PF.4870
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9" (22.9cm) high
x 8" (20.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
Additional Information: closet AF12
$3,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Yoruba believe the cosmic universe is based
on opposing forces. The task of the diviner is to
harmonize these contradictory energies into a
perfect whole. It is only then he will be able to
control spirits for the benefit of the client
consulting him. There is no more perfect symbol
of this 'union' than man and woman, and this is
what we see on this very dramatic lid.
Surrounding the conical shape are two couples
who are facing outwards with their arms
stretched holding onto braided 'ropes'. Each one
is quite detailed, revealing their genitalia and
clothing in the form of a checkerboard pattern
for the male, and a series of horizontal lines for
the female. They appear 'strapped' onto the lid,
as if it is a great sphere whirling in space in
which they occupy the middle area, above the
animal kingdom of lizards and snakes on the
bottom rim. This complies with the image of the
orisa-gods, or deified ancestors who exist
between the other world of the creator god
olodumare and the lower world of the living.
Given its religious connotation, this lid and
container may have been placed on an altar.
Upon the elemental substance of clay, an artist
has depicted his people's conception of the
universe-- at peace and in perfect harmony.
- (PF.4870)
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