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Kneeling Shrine Figure (arugba)

Culture
Yoruba artist
Date
early 20th century
Material
Wood, pigment
associated with
Nigeria, Africa
Classification
Containers, sculpture
Current Location
On View, Gallery 117
Dimensions
33 1/2 x 18 3/4 x 16 3/8 in. (85.1 x 47.6 x 41.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Morton D. May
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
276:1972
NOTES
Subtle details, such as the pattern of repeating triangles along the edge of the large bowl, indicate this sculpture was once the centerpiece of an altar dedicated to Shango. The large bowl would have contained found Neolithic stone celts or implements, considered evidence of Shango’s lightning strikes, large gourds, or other offerings. Additional gifts to the god include the ram, a prized offering, presented by the standing male figure on the right, and a covered gourd container held by the female figure on the left. Connected to principles of fertility, Shango’s power is often communicated by female figures evoking idealized proportions and a kneeling gesture conveying respect and composure. Blue pigment applied to the heads of all three figures enhances the theme of restraint. Associated with coolness, calm, and control, the color blue eases Shango’s thunderous temperament.
- 1971
Harry A. Franklin Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA, USA

1971 - 1972
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Harry A. Franklin Gallery [1]

1972 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [2]


Notes:
[1] An invoice dated June 1, 1971 from Harry A. Franklin Gallery to Morton D. May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "Yoruba Carved Wood Bowl of large size and fine quality...Bowl is supported by kneeling woman with an attendant on each side. One attendant holds ram and the other a ritual bowl. Nigeria." [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].

[2] A letter dated December 15, 1972 from Morton D. May to Charles E. Buckley, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, includes the offer of this object as part of a larger donation [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, April 4, 1973.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.

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