Artwork Page for Shrine Figure for Sàngó

Details / Information for Shrine Figure for Sàngó

Shrine Figure for Sàngó

c. 1910

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

Medium
Wood, probably bluing, and organic material
Measurements
Overall: 38.7 cm (15 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Katherine C. White 1972.339
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

The bright blue color on this sculpture is bluing, a powdered product used to brighten laundry.

Description

Sàngó is a king turned god in the Yorùbâ cosmology. One of the many òrìṣà—a god or divine spirit—that Yorùbá people can become devotees of and appeal to, Sàngó is often associated with lightning and thunder. The shape atop the female figure's head is the double-axe symbol of Sàngó. She wears a triangle-shaped amulet, waist beads, and bracelets, all signifying that she is a priestess. Standing on a base, rather than a handle, this figure was likely placed in a shrine dedicated to Sàngó.

Shrine Figure for Sàngó

c. 1910

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

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