![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/314/587/large_thumbnail_2018_0402.jpg)
Wooden figure representing the god Eshu, Nigeria, 1880-1920
- maker:
- Yoruba people
![Carved black wooden figure kneeling on circular base](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/382/511/small_thumbnail_smg00242539.jpg)
![Carved black wooden figure kneeling on circular base](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/1/440/small_thumbnail_a160553__0002_.jpg)
![Carved black wooden figure kneeling on circular base](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/1/439/small_thumbnail_a160553__0001_.jpg)
Carved black wooden figure kneeling on circular base, representing the god Eshu with projecting breasts and huge backward curving horned headdress, Yoruba people, Nigeria, 1880-1920
A wooden figure in the form of Eshu, a god of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. In Yoruba tradition, Eshu is described as a figure of trickery and surprise. Unusually, the figure's protruding breasts shows Eshu in female form. In common with other depictions, he is wearing a headdress of gourds (hollowed fruit).
Details
- Category:
- Ethnography and Folk Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A160553
- Materials:
- wood, hard and beads, glass
- Measurements:
-
overall: 380 mm x 160 mm x 230 mm, 0.778 kg
- type:
- statue
- credit:
- Sothebys