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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Onile Sculptures : Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Seated Man
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Yoruba Lead Onile Sculpture of a Seated Man - PF.4711
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
to 18
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
10.25" (26.0cm) high
x 3" (7.6cm) wide
Collection: African Art
Medium: Lead
£6,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
At the founding of a settlement and the
establishment of an Osugbo lodge, freestanding
lead or brass figures of a male and female were
cast, symbolizing the original progenitors. This
male is made of lead and is an early example of
an Onile or 'owner-of-the-house'. It is the
prototype Yoruba ancestor figure with bulging
eyes and curvilinear cheeks. Marks of honor are
seen in the ritual scarification on cheeks, a
handsome conical headdress and necklace.
Hands over the stomach and basic posture are
typical of such statues; and when seated on a
conical mound is associated with oath taking.
Ancestral figures were considered to contain the
actual living essence of the deceased, who would
sit in judgment and watch over the affairs of
their people. The thick patina is the result of
offerings being spread upon it over countless
years. This male's penetrating gaze seems to
take everything in, seeing right into a person's
heart. He is a guardian from beyond, wakeful
and watching for eternity.
- (PF.4711)
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