In African societies, the act of sculpting involves
an element of magic and ritual. This happens
when one thing is turned into something else
through the intent of a skilled individual. An
impressive object such as this Odo is a perfect
example of a "metamorphosis" of inert matter
turned into an object of power.
The Odo Shango is a type of shrine that holds a
calabash containing the thunder stones of
Shango. Orisha Shango is the deified king of
ancient Oyo-Ile. His priests gather the thunder
stones at houses struck by lightening, indicating
the deity's judgment against the occupants. The
finely sculpted head represents the priest who
watches over the rituals for Shango. He is
surrounded by two large rams whose horns form
an arch over his beautifully coiffed head. The
animals seem to float in the air, offering their
protection to the man. On the other side is an
abstract male, and next to him a fork-like object
similar to a plow or some other agricultural tool.
Traces of paint indicate the priest figure was
covered with indigo dye. The remainder of the
surface was painted with camwood and dotted
with chalk and touches of blue. An object this
intense is larger than life; almost on a grand
scale, holding within its elegant form the
essence of the Yoruba people.
- (PF.4633)
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