A Yoruba female wooden carved Olumeye, which means 'One-who-knows-honour’, West Africa, depicts a kneeling woman on an oval base carrying a beautifully carved bowl with the help of four smaller female Yoruba sculptures, there is also an enigmatic round head underneath the bowl, the main large figure is standing straight, wide squared shoulders, a thick cylindric neck carrying an oval-shaped head, composed of expressive features of bulging almond eyes, the nose elongated , and the ears are pointed , the hairdo is pulled upwards in a conical shape, scarifications on the torso, cheeks, legs, and back, symbols of beauty, thick encrusted patina, white pigment on the exes, scarifications and on the bowl, signs of ritual use.

"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: 86 cm
Width: 32 cm
Weight: 10,4 kg