Unidentified

Ogboni (Oshugbo) Society Standing Female Shrine Figure (onílè or onílé)

early 18th century

Category
Culture
Yoruba: Ogboni Society
Place Made
Nigeria: Owu Region
Materials
Copper alloy
Measurements
23 x 6 1/4 x 4 3/4 in (58.42 x 15.875 x 12.065 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Victor K. Kiam
Accession #
77.158
Description

A standing female figure with her legs apart and slightly bent over mound between her legs. Her arms are bent at the elbows, and she has clutched fists, stacked on top of each other, at her middle. She is wearing a wide niched waist band, and has geometric scarification on her torso, nipples, back, shoulders, and arms. She is wearing a broad collar with two tubular forms. She also has an exaggerated nose, bulging eyes, cupped ears, and a four pointed crown-like headdress with a herringbone incised pattern.