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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Terracotta Vessels : Yoruba Terracotta Sculpture of a Man Riding an Animal
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Yoruba Terracotta Sculpture of a Man Riding an Animal - PF.4942
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
12.25" (31.1cm) high
x 5.75" (14.6cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$1,200.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This equestrian figure may have been made as a ritual object for a shrine of Orisa Erinle, a hunter deity associated with forest glades and streams. The sheer exuberant pleasure this rider and his beast display is certainly delightful. They are enjoying with unashamed pleasure the thrill of movement, of freedom and of the chase. His right arm is raised as if preparing to throw something; in fact, he appears to be holding a short blunt instrument. Encircling him are thick braided ropes which crisscross over his back to hold a satchel, and are also attached to the donkey or horse. The tilt of the upper part of the base gives the impression he is riding uphill, or perhaps on uneven ground. This sense of movement is further accentuated by the jaunty hat which seems about to fly off in the wind. There is humor, whimsy and sheer joy in this sculpture which makes us feel we too are galloping across the Yoruba landscape.
- (PF.4942)
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