A Rare Yoruba Boat for a Shrine...

Description

A Rare Yoruba Boat for a Shrine
Eastern Nigeria/Benin, early to mid 20th century

Constructed of numerous polychrome wood pieces. The narrow canoe is floated on an animal with long legs and a dog-like head that holds the anchor chain in its mouth. The anchor itself is the head and torso of a female, all painted white. The boat has a dragon head with sharp carved teeth, a serpentine body and a spotted fin-like tail. Nine figures are enclosed in the boat holding a variety of symbolic objects aloft, a few hold paddles. A tall prow ornament at front with two oil lamps or vessels suspended each side. A supplemental chain is at the back. In good condition, appears that some parts are missing. Extant parts are interchangeable. Over all the paint is darkened from a shrine context with smoke, and age.

Provenance:
Property from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Jan Baum, Los Angeles, CA
Oumar Keinde, Dakar, Senegal and New York, NY

Length: 58 inches

More Information: Requires assembly.


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