Artwork Page for Altar figure (onílé)

Details / Information for Altar figure (onílé)

Altar figure (onílé)

possibly 1700s

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

Medium
Copper alloy
Measurements
with base: 34.3 x 10.8 x 25.4 cm (13 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 10 in.); without base: 31.3 x 10.8 x 25.4 cm (12 5/16 x 4 1/4 x 10 in.)
Credit Line
Alma Kroeger Fund 2007.160
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Images of horses and riders cast in copper alloy are rare among Yoruba sculptures.

Description

This figure of a horse and rider is related to the Ògbóni society, whose responsibilities include the burial of titleholders and leaders and the judgment and punishment of criminals. A counterweight to the authority of the king, it is also responsible for the selection, installation, and removal of rulers. Probably once forming a pair with a female figure, the equestrian symbolized the king’s male ancestors.
A dark-gray copper alloy sculpture depicts a figure with small breasts riding a four-legged animal. The figure has an oversized head with bulging eyes and a wide mouth. Their right arm is bent, holding a ring, while the left arm is broken at the wrist. The animal features short legs and a decorative bridle with small rings. The surface is textured with a dark patina and patches of reddish-brown.

Altar figure (onílé)

possibly 1700s

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

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