Yoruba

Nigeria

Bronze

1: 13 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in (34.29 x 9.525 x 6.35 cm); 2: 12 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in (32.385 x 9.525 x 6.35 cm)

Promised and partial gift of Nancy Stern

2009.167.1,.2

This is a male/female pair of figurated castings on iron shafts, both with faces bearded. The male holds a pipe in his right hand and a knife with a curved blade in his left. The female holds in her outstretched hands a small recumbent male figure with his fists clasped over his chest (left over right) in the Oshugbo gesture of greeting and respect. Both figures have birds below their legs and are connected to each other at the top of the head by a chain.