Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

The Barakat Collection

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Yoruba Wooden Sculpture of Esu, 20th Century CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Yoruba Wooden Sculpture of Esu, 20th Century CE

Yoruba Wooden Sculpture of Esu, 20th Century CE

Wood
32.4 x 8.3 cm
12 3/4 x 3 1/4 in
PF.3613
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EYoruba%20Wooden%20Sculpture%20of%20Esu%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E20th%20Century%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EWood%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E32.4%20x%208.3%20cm%3Cbr/%3E%0A12%203/4%20x%203%201/4%20in%3C/div%3E

Further images

  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 1 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 2 ) Thumbnail of additional image
View on a Wall
The Yoruba are the largest ethnic group in Africa and are the most prolific of its art-producing peoples. Their art reflects complex systems of religion, social organization, and government, all...
Read more
The Yoruba are the largest ethnic group in Africa and are the most prolific of its art-producing peoples. Their art reflects complex systems of religion, social organization, and government, all of which are implemented by special voluntary associations. Moreover, Yoruba culture has a rich spiritual philosophy that has its ancient roots in Nigeria. Such spiritual ideas are often conveyed in Yoruba arts, giving us clues to the ancient thoughts.

This wooden figure represents Esu, the guardian of the ritual way. Esu bestows riches upon those who follow the sacrificial way of life and steals from those who do not acknowledge his authority. Hence, Esu figures are often laden with signs of wealth and power. Especially, the sexual symbolism in the myths and iconography associated with Esu are distinctly shown, as in this sculpture. Standing on a base, this male figure wears a large conical headdress, under which a round, plump face is placed. Its round cheeks seems like the figure is blowing or whistling, adding a distinct character to the sculpture. The most predominant feature is the position of the figure--one hand by his side and the other hand on his exaggerated genitalia. Such overt sexual connotation is a display of power, dominance, and authoritative aggression. This wooden figure is a dramatic historical work of art that undoubtedly stuns our eyes and enriches our minds.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
754 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields