20th C. Yoruba Wood Eshu Shrine Figure, Standing Male

**Originally Listed At $250**

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden shrine figure known as an Eshu or Esu - a divine trickster, or orisha, who serves as a messenger of the gods. Dressed in Western attire, the figure stands holding a hunter's flute, a classic object of an Eshu as it represents his role as a messenger, to his mouth. His stylized visage is crowned by a gourd representing a container where he stores his power. The god Esu plays a pivotal role in the domestic and religious life of the Yoruba people, functioning as a bearer of sacrifices to other gods and spirits. He assists in the critical communication between the divine and human realms and acts as guardian of the ritual process and way of life. While not an inherently evil or malicious deity, as no Yoruba orisha is entirely bad or good, Esu can sow discord and disorder in the world and also can ensure everything is business as usual. An Eshu figure like this one would have been placed on an altar and used during dances and processions. Size: 4.2" L x 3.4" W x 11.3" H (10.7 cm x 8.6 cm x 28.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970

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#126018
Condition Report: Some chipping, nicks, and abrasions as shown, as well as areas of old insect holes, and some stable fissures in areas.