Figure of Shango on Horseback
Yorùbá; Toibo of Erin
1 of 2
Object Label
This figure has been attributed to the workshop of the renowned Yoruba carver Toibo, of the town of Erin. It was probably carved in the 1920s or 1930s for the timi (king) of Ede (one of the historic Yoruba kingdoms), who kept it in a shrine dedicated to the orisha (god) Shango. Equestrian figures are potent symbols of power in many parts of Africa where ownership of horses was long restricted to warriors and political leaders. In Yoruba mythology, Shango was both a king and the orisha associated with thunder and lightning.
Caption
Yorùbá; Toibo of Erin (died ca. 1937). Figure of Shango on Horseback, early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 40 x 14 1/2 x 9 in. (101.6 x 36.8 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Corice and Armand P. Arman, 1992.133.4. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Artist
Title
Figure of Shango on Horseback
Date
early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Erin, Osun State, Nigeria
Medium
Wood, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
40 x 14 1/2 x 9 in. (101.6 x 36.8 x 22.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Corice and Armand P. Arman
Accession Number
1992.133.4
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