African Arts Gallery

The use of the term Yorouba , derived from a Hausa word that referred to the yorouba of the northern kingdom of Oyo, dates from the mid-19th century, when it was popularized by missionaries. The history of the Yorouba was written mainly in favour of the kingdom of Oyo, which extended its hegemony over much of the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Yorouba language is not homogeneous throughout the territory: it consists of dialects that form three main families. The kingdoms of Oyo and Ijebu were born following the demise of the Ifé civilization and are still the basis of the Yoruba political structure. The Oyo created two cults centered on the societies Egungun and Sango, who venerate their gods, the Orisa , through ceremonies using masks, statuettes, sceptres and divination supports coded messages (aroko).
Support of communication with the afterlife, yoruba sculpture is intended to garnish family or collective altars, and is often born of gratitude for the blessings that the gods would have given to the faithful. The figures who support the seat of this prestigious stool evoke Esu/Elegba, Divine Messenger and Master of crossroads", assistant to the god of divination Orunmila. The statues are discreetly enhanced with polychrome, blue, red and white pigments. The slightly cracked seat has a usual patina. Indigenous restorations using metal staples.