Showcasing the art and ritual of the African and African-diaspora religions

Statue of Ọ̀ṣun

Catalog Number: D013

Dimensions:

31.75 cm tall, 8.89 cm wide, 7.62 cm deep

(centimeters)

 

12.5" tall, 3.5" wide, 3" deep

(inches)

 

Religion and Denomination: Yoruba indigenous religion (Yoruba)
Transatlantic Family of Religion: Orisha
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Ethnographic Origin: Yoruba
Materials: Wood
Date of Manufacture: 06/2010
Usage: Ritual (used)
Detailed Description of Significance:

The fact that this is, in fact, a statue depicting Ọ̀ṣun is evidenced by several characteristics of the figure. First, the figure has elongated hands, a common sign of Ợṣun. Her wrists are adorned with bracelets, much like the ones described in the entry on idẹ ọwợ ọlợnà; followers of Ọ̀ṣun frequently wear numerous bracelets to reflect her enjoyment of these adornments. The figure also has an elongated neck, another common characteristic in depictions of Ọ̀ṣun. This neck is adorned with beads, normally an indicator of a priestess of Ọ̀ṣun. Its hairstyle is known as suku, although there are other hairstyles that could also be used and still associated with the image of Ọ̀ṣun. The statue maintains a kneeling position, indicating the proper form of veneration in those who would utilize this statue. The statue is thus both an image of Ọ̀ṣun and an image of a follower of Ọ̀ṣun, perhaps encouraging her followers to attempt to live in her image.