Yorùbá
Female Edan Figure
Yoruba, 1700-1999
Scroll
Yorùbá
Female Edan Figure
Yoruba, 1700-1999
Physical Qualities
Copper alloy or brass, beads, fabric, 27.3 H x 7 W x 4.5 D cm.
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift
Object Number
1999.574
Yoruba consider brass to shine with the 'hot color of ultra-luminosity' and liken beads to stars, brilliant points of light. This work of art pairs the commanding presence of brass, in the form of a cast figure, with the sparkle of beads. Through its composition and use of materials, this figure is charged with divine light and power and would have been used by a member of the Ogboni society in Nigeria to bring insight and justice to complex judiciary cases.
"Meditations on African Art: Light," Dec 17, 2006 - Apr 1, 2007, BMA, Karen Milbourne.