Female Bowl Bearer of the Yoruba, "Arugba Shango"

Nigeria, 35 cm (1' 2")

Female bowl bearers of this type were placed in shrines dedicated to Shango, the god of thunder, where they served as vessels for ritual offerings. The bowl carried by the figure was used particularly to hold kola nuts, which were presented as offerings to the deity. An elaborately carved representation of a rooster serves as the lid, lending the object additional symbolic significance and decorative appeal.
The present figure wears an intricately fashioned coiffure characteristic of the Abeokuta region. It is distinguished by its impressive size, harmonious proportions, and exceptionally accomplished sculptural execution, testifying to the remarkable skill and artistic mastery of an outstanding Yoruba carver.
Particularly appealing is the polychrome decoration in natural pigments, which lends the sculpture a vibrant appearance and effectively accentuates its carefully modelled forms.
The combination of ritual significance, masterful craftsmanship, and expressive colouring makes this female bowl bearer an exceptional and representative example of traditional Yoruba art.

Provenance: Jean-Pierre Laprugne, Galerie Mazarine, Paris, France; Gerhard F. Vesely, Austria.

Estimate: € 3600 - 4000