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: 62 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 6 in. (159.4 x 21.6 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: 82.154.2
• Credit Line: Gift of Allen A. Davis
• Image: Group, 82.154.2_cropped_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Yoruba. Housepost, One of Pair, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 62 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 6 in. (159.4 x 21.6 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Allen A. Davis, 82.154.2 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 82.154.2_cropped_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Carved wood figurative house post painted red-brown, and composed of a horse and rider at the top. The bearded rider holds the handle of a flywhisk in his right hand. The whisk rests on his right shoulder. His coiffure is painted blue. He wears arm rings and bracelets, a tasseled baldric and is seated on a saddle with stirrups. The horse has a bridle. The equestrian figure rests on a small platform. Under him is a figure of a kneeling woman with hands supporting breasts. She wears ear plugs, bracelets, an amulet necklace, and girdle. Her coiffure is painted blue. Condition: Good. Evidence of wear and erosion from age visible throughout. Rider's left forearm is missing.