About this artwork
A sculptural tour-de-force, this stool was made for an altar dedicated to the deity Sango. At its center is a Sango priest—identifiable by his double-bladed staff and cape covered in cowrie shells—and a woman who reclines before him in a formal greeting. Moving clockwise, they are encircled by a man playing a drum; two women devotees, one of whom is holding a chicken for sacrifice; a rifle-toting soldier leading a bound captive; and a woman holding a large offering bowl. The motif of the soldier and captive, which also appears on the adjacent Esu dance staff by the same artist [see 1991.396], reflects the violent invasions that marked the era.
-
Status
- Currently Off View
-
Department
- Arts of Africa
-
Culture
- Yoruba
-
Title
- Altar Stool
-
Place
- Nigeria (Object made in)
-
Date
- 1850–1900
-
Medium
- Wood and pigment
-
Dimensions
- 40 × 34.3 cm (15 3/4 × 13 1/2 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by Jamee and Marshall Field, and Mrs. Stanley M. Freehling; Laura T. Magnuson Endowment
-
Reference Number
- 2002.276
-
IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/159842/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.