Yoruba statue, Nigeria - Lot 54

Yoruba statue, Nigeria This statue incarnates a deified ancestor. Seated, he adopts the posture of a chief. His physiognomy is characteristic of traditional Yoruba effigies. Numerous bracelets adorn his wrists, including several rows of cowries. The honey patina is enhanced by touches of indigo blue. Desiccation cracks and xylophagous stigmata now eradicated. 70 x 26 cm Yoruba society is highly organized, with several associations whose roles vary. While the male egbe society reinforces social norms, the aro federates farmers. The gelede has more esoteric and religious aims. The notables, for their part, meet in a society called esusu . The kingdoms of Oyo and Ijebu came into being following the disappearance of the Ifé civilization, and still form the basis of the Yoruba political structure. The Oyo created two cults centered on the Egungun and Sango societies, still active today, which worship their gods, the Orisa, through ceremonies involving masks, statuettes, scepters and divination aids.