Motherhood
"The Container and the Contained"
The role of the woman in Yoruba society plays a large part in defining the power of the woman verses that of men. Much of the power of women comes from the roles that are identified as female, especially motherhood. These roles of patient, calm, nurturer and giver are all identified with the nature of women and are vital to understanding what make women powerful in society. (4)
This is why women, even powerful women like priestesses, depicted in sculpture are usually shown either with children, alluding to their motherhood and fertile childbearing characteristics, or making an offering, referring to their nurturing, giving qualities. Within these qualities lies the true power of women. (4)
This Shango Shrine Figure depicts a female devotee with a child on her back kneeling and giving an offering. The child is a reference to motherhood and the power associated with women. (4) The blue in the hair of the figure links the figure with royalty, as the indigo blue is a color of royalty. (2)
Shango Shrine Figure
Yoruba (Nigeria), 19th century
Wood and beads, 21 1/2" (54.6 cm)
Collection Ian Auld, Halstead, England
This vessel is made to hold the palm nuts used in Ifa divination. Once again, a female is depicted kneeling and giving an offering to the gods, in this case to the orisha deity. (2)
A vessel by Agbonbiofe (d. 1945)
From Efon-Alaye, Ekiti (nothern Yoruba).
Wood, 13 5/8" (34.9 cm)
Collection Ian Auld, Halstead, England
