THOMAS ONA ODULATE (1900-1952), Nigeria early 20th century,...

Hammer

£480

THOMAS ONA ODULATE (1900-1952), Nigeria

early 20th century, two Yoruba Nigerian satirical wood sculptures with applied pigments; one of a soldier standing to attention with satchel across his back and hat at lopsided angle (now lacking gun), 26cm high (excluding plinth); and another of a priest standing in contemplative pose with outstretched arms and hands (possibly lacking a book), 22cm high (2)

Thomas Ona Odulate was a noted Yoruba wood carver who worked at Ijebu Ode, and later in Lagos. He carved the colonials (administrators, soldiers, lawyers, married couples etc.) and the Yoruba. His work had a 'tongue in cheek' edge and were almost all sold to the British and tourists.His figures are in traditional 'Yarouba style' with large heads in proportion to the body, and executed with the carving tools of the adze and knife. However he deviated from usual religious subject matter to the secular, and used more than one piece of wood for his sculptures with the creation of carvings of hats, guns, and books etc.