H x W x D: 70 x 27.1 x 36.1 cm (27 9/16 x 10 11/16 x 14 3/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Nigeria
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
The Yoruba have few horses, but have long used equestrian images as symbols of leadership and power, especially in references to kings and deities. The dramatically curved projection from the head of this figure associates it with Eshu, the messenger god and a force for change within the Yoruba community.
Description:
Wood equestrian figure on small circular base flanked by two smaller female figures faced outward. The equestrian wears a crown and neck ornament. One female figure wears a cone shaped hairdo and the other wears a crest-style hairdo.
Provenance:
Paul and Ruth Tishman, New York, 1970 to 1983
Exhibition History:
The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection Highlights, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., May 21, 2009-June 4, 2014
Echoes of Africa, Epcot, Walt Disney World, Orlando, September 2005-August 2007
Sculpture of Black Africa: The Paul Tishman Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, August 31-November 1, 1970; City Art Museum of Saint Louis, August 20-October 17, 1971
Published References:
Chemeche, George. 2013. Eshu: The Divine Trickster. Woodbridge,Suffolk: the Antique Collectors' Club, page 284-285
City Art Museum of Saint Louis. 1971. Sculpture of Black Africa: The Paul Tishman Collection. Special addendum (August 20-October 17). Saint Louis, p. 32, no. 42.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 1970. Sculpture of Black Africa: The Paul Tishman Collection. Special Addendum (August 31-November 1). Richmond, VM-22-23, no. 71.
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