An Eshu Yoruba figure, depicting a standing male playing a flute instrument, his hair is colored in washing blue, typical of the Eshu style; partly shiny by an intensive touch patina.

"Eshu the magiciansand trickster is also the herald of the gods, thge devine messager. In this regardhe is portrayed blowing a flute or whistle..The flute player meditates between the world of humankind and the demonic and the creative powers that pervade it. He is the guardian of the ritual way of life."
Pemberton/Fagg/ Holkcombe, Yoruba , Sculpture of West Africa, 1982, p. 92

Lit.: George Chemeche, Eshu, The Divine Trickster p. 70.

"The Yoruba believe that Eshu is a complex, contradictory god who crosses boundaries between the spiritual and earthly realms to deliver offerings and prayers to the gods. If Eshu is not honored properly, however, he becomes a trickster who wreaks havoc. Eshu priests dance holding staffs such as this in performances to honor the god. The hook-like protrusion projecting from the figure’s head may symbolize Eshu’s powerful life force."

Source: Speed Art Museum.

sold

Height: 36 cm
Weight: 405 g