Wooden figure representing the god Eshu, Nigeria, 1880-1920
Carved from wood, the Yoruba god (orisha) Eshu kneels and wears a large headdress in a pose he is typically represented in. Eshu is often seen as a figure of trickery and surprise representing the uncertainty of divination. Divination determines the cause of disease or its treatment in many African traditions. Eshu also brings trouble that could come in the form of illness. The Yoruba people traditionally live in south-west Nigeria.
Object number:
A167143
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: statue
A sculpture in the round representing human or animal figures or small figure groups; a statuette is a smaller sculpture.
Glossary: divination
The practice of seeking knowledge of the future through the interpretation of omens or other supernatural means.