Two female Yoruba bowl keeper, probably of the workshop of Olowe of Ise, Nigeira, placed on an intricately circular base with heads carved onto it, also placed on a square base, the two bowl keepers kneeling on the base and both carrying the bowl, each have two smaller female helpers, painted in their same colors, either red or yellow, they all wear blue straps around their stomach and hips, which could possibly be representations of blue pearled necklaces, their hair is pulled upwards and painted with washing blue, traces of scarifications all through their body and cheeks, the bowls lid is mounted by four small figures, two yellow females and two red males, the later are playing instruments; this large and interesting piece of wooden sculpture has quite a lot of insect damage through out.

These sculptures were typically used by the Ekiti people to hold kola nuts, which were offered to visitors, as well as shrine containers for orisa offerings and palm nuts used in Ifa divination.in shape of a bowlkeeper, posted on a circular base, seated on her feet. Traditionally, kneeling was a gesture of respect and devotion among the Yoruba." 

Lit: Rowland, Drewal & Pemberton, 1991, p. 39.

sold

Height: 52 without stand
Width: 38 cm without stand
Weight: 11 kg with stand