6.35 cm tall, 1.9 cm wide
(centimeters)
2.5" tall, .75" wide
(inches)
The clearly male and female figures, whose gender is emphasized by their clearly apparent genitalia, emphasize the fact that although Ọ̀ṣun is generally associated with femininity, she has certain dimensions or avatars. She would be considered an incomplete òrìşà if she lacked male dimensions, as would any of the òrìs̩à in the absence of dually gendered aspects. These dimensions are believed to branch apart and flow together simultaneously, like the rivers and oceans over which Ọ̀ṣun has dominion. These figures are also connected with the earth, perhaps due to the origin of their materials. Said materials are colored golden-yellow, Ọ̀ṣun’s favorite coloration for religious objects.These figurines, like the figures on the bells for Ọ̀ṣun, possess exaggerated large ears.
Contact
Sacred Arts of the Black Atlantic Project, Duke University
Box 90091
Durham, NC 27708
Email
jm217@duke.edu