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Nigerian Eshu Cult Figure

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https://digital.library.illinois.edu/items/9f675d40-0d92-0135-23f6-0050569601ca-8
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Descriptive Information

Title
Nigerian Eshu Cult Figure
Description
  • there is also another necklace from which several strings of cowrie shells hang down past the base of the carving. The figure holds a drum in his left hand underneath the shells.
  • This is a figure of a man, carved from dark wood, standing on a round base. The carved features include bulging eyes, a prominent forehead, and hair that starts on the forehead and extends back into a long point. The cheeks are cut with parallel lines indicating scarification. A necklace of blue glass beads encircles the neck
Interpretation
Eshu, one of many deities in the Yoruban pantheon, is the messenger of the gods and guardian of the cross-roads. He helps manipulate the destiny of humans. He is the only deity actually protrayed in Yoruban art and is given an offering at the start of every ritual to ensure its success. Eshu figures are usually adorned with beads and cowrie shells, both of which signify wealth and prosperity. This example holds a drum in his left hand. Long hair is associated with unrestrained energy and sexual aggressiveness. Compare Eshu to the Western gods Hermes (Greek) or Mercury (Roman).
Lesson Plans / Themes
  • African Novel Study  
  • African Folk Tales  
Learning Standards
  • 25-27 Fine Arts  
  • 18 Social Systems  
  • 16 History  
Author or Creator
Yoruba (African people) Social life and customs  
Source
Donated to the Lakeview Museum by Richard K. Meyer.  
Subject / Keywords
  • Carving  
  • Yoruban culture  
  • Worship figures  
  • Africa  
  • Nigeria  
Spatial Coverage
Nigeria  
Temporal Coverage
1850/1900
Collection Publisher
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences
Rights
Copyright Not Evaluated
Resource Identifier
LVM1985.040.009
Date Created
6-12-02
Collection Title
Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
Collection
Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
TitleNigerian Eshu Cult Figure
Description
  • there is also another necklace from which several strings of cowrie shells hang down past the base of the carving. The figure holds a drum in his left hand underneath the shells.
  • This is a figure of a man, carved from dark wood, standing on a round base. The carved features include bulging eyes, a prominent forehead, and hair that starts on the forehead and extends back into a long point. The cheeks are cut with parallel lines indicating scarification. A necklace of blue glass beads encircles the neck
InterpretationEshu, one of many deities in the Yoruban pantheon, is the messenger of the gods and guardian of the cross-roads. He helps manipulate the destiny of humans. He is the only deity actually protrayed in Yoruban art and is given an offering at the start of every ritual to ensure its success. Eshu figures are usually adorned with beads and cowrie shells, both of which signify wealth and prosperity. This example holds a drum in his left hand. Long hair is associated with unrestrained energy and sexual aggressiveness. Compare Eshu to the Western gods Hermes (Greek) or Mercury (Roman).
Lesson Plans / Themes
  • African Novel Study  
  • African Folk Tales  
Learning Standards
  • 25-27 Fine Arts  
  • 18 Social Systems  
  • 16 History  
Author or CreatorYoruba (African people) Social life and customs  
SourceDonated to the Lakeview Museum by Richard K. Meyer.  
Subject / Keywords
  • Carving  
  • Yoruban culture  
  • Worship figures  
  • Africa  
  • Nigeria  
Spatial CoverageNigeria  
Temporal Coverage1850/1900
Collection PublisherLakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences
RightsCopyright Not Evaluated
Resource IdentifierLVM1985.040.009
Date Created6-12-02
Collection TitleTeaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
CollectionTeaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)

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