Description
This imposing sculptural headdress would have been worn in masquerades honoring Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron, warfare, and technology. It was also part of a shrine where offerings of yams were applied to its surface. Ogun is depicted as a warrior on horseback who carries a shield with four human heads, possibly slain enemies. The smaller figure playing a flute represents Eshu, the divine messenger and god of human destiny.
Provenance
Harry A. Franklin Family Collection, by 1969 [Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton, 1969, cat. no. 16]; sold, Sotheby’s, New York, N.Y., April 21, 1990 “The Harry A. Franklin Family Collection of African Art,” sale 6001, lot 356, to Richard and Barbara Faletti, Chicago, Ill.; given to the Art Institute, 2000.
Accession Number
155956
Medium
Wood, iron, nails, fiber, and sacrificial materials
Dimensions
Figure and Shield: 110.5 × 38.1 × 43.2 cm (43 1/2 × 15 × 17 in.)
Classification
headdress
Credit Line
The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Richard Faletti, the Faletti Family Collection
