African Arts Gallery

Statuette depicting a Yoruba priestess, whose cheeks are incised from vertical scarifications "kpélé", breasts classically stretched over an offering cup. Its body displays traditional tribal marks, and the wearing of jewelry indicates its status as a dignitary.
Patine very slightly satin.
The Yoruba society has several associations whose roles vary. While the egbe society is strengthening social norms, the aro unites farmers. The gelede has more esoteric and religious aims. The notables come together in a society called susu . Offering cups, some of which were used to store kola nuts or others present for visitors, were once located in the royal palaces of the Ekiti and Igbomina regions of the country Yoruba.The kingdoms of Oyo and Ijebu were born following the disappearance of the civilization Ifé and are still the basis of the political structure of the Yoruba. The Oyos created two cults centered on the societies Egungun and Sango, still active, who worship their gods, the Orisa, through ceremonies using masks, statuettes, sceptres and divine supports.