Accession Number2003/2.36
TitleVessel Lid
Artist(s)YorubaArtist NationalityYoruba (culture or style)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & SupportterracottaDimensions 9 13/16 in x 7 1/16 in x 8 1/4 in (24.92 cm x 17.94 cm x 20.96 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Daniel and Sandra MatoSubject matterAlthough it is missing the bottom portion, this vessel for the stones of Eyinle (called
awo ota Eyinle) was popular among Yoruba-speaking peoples near the Nigerian city of Oyo and further west. Eyinle (also spelled Erinle and Erinile) was the
orisa (god) associated with river stones, sand, and river water. In the bottom of the vessel would be placed water, sand, and stones from a river, while the small bowl on the lid would hold a kola nut or cowrie shells placed there to communicate with Eyinle. In that aspect, the figure on the lid represents the follower of Eyinle, not the
orisa. Although the vessel holds river stones, the
ase (power or life force) of Eyinle, the lid also signifies the power of the
orisa. The protrusions along the side arches represent the river stones and the blue pigment refers to royalty. The arches refer to the crowns of Yoruba kings, which have a conical shape that reflect the
ori (head) as the source of a person's
ase.
References Cited:
Drewal, Henry John, John Pemberton and Rowland O. Abiodun. 1989.
Yoruba: Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought. New York: Center for African Art.
Lawal, Babatunde. 2012.
Visions of Africa: Yoruba. Milan: 5 Continents Editions.
Thompson, Robert Farris. 1983.
Flash of the Spirit: African and Afro-American Art and Philosophy. New York: Random House
Physical DescriptionA circular, slightly domed disc topped with four arches and the figure of a human head. The front arch is wide, with a round indentation, and the arches to either side have two small, pointed protrusions. The top of the figure's head is decorated with geometric patterns. The back of the head is connected to the back arch by a smaller arch.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object TypelidCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
communication (function)
personal shrines
rivers