Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Housepost, One of Pair

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Housepost, One of Pair

Figurative posts often support the verandas of distinguished places such as important shrines or the dwellings of kings, titled elders, and priests. Just as a post supports the house, the carved figures represent the individuals who support and uphold the leader in his office.

This text refers to these objects: 82.154.1; 82.154.2

• Culture: Yoruba
• Medium: Wood, pigment
• Place Made: Nigeria
• Dates: late 19th or early 20th century
• Dimensions: 64 x 9 1/4 x 6 in. (162.6 x 23.5 x 15.2 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 82.154.1
• Credit Line: Gift of Allen A. Davis
• Image: Group, 82.154.1_cropped_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Yoruba. Housepost, One of Pair, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 64 x 9 1/4 x 6 in. (162.6 x 23.5 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Allen A. Davis, 82.154.1 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 82.154.1_cropped_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Carved wood figurative housepost painted red-brown, and composed of a seated female figure holding a child at the top. She wears a necklace, ear plugs, and a skirt, and is seated on a circular platform. Beneath her is a figure of an equestrian figure, wearing a baldric, armrings and holds the handle of a flywhisk in his left hand. His cap painted blue. The whisk hangs over his left shoulder. He is seated on a saddle. The horse wears a bridle and stirrups. Condition: There is an old break through the neck of the female figure that has been repaired, but area is still weak and must be handled with care. There are eroded portions throughout post and checking from age and wear. Right arm of rider is missing.