Master Hand: Individuality and Creativity among Yoruba Sculptors | Explore & Learn

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midpoint mimesis: a balance between resemblance and likeness which is not too specific, yet not too abstract: idealized naturalism, which depicts general human resemblance as against portraits of particular individuals
clarity of form and line in which each part of the body is clearly recognizable and visually complete, which indicates both physical and spiritual well-being
shining smoothness: a polished surface
incised patterns and lines as a contrast and balance to polished surfaces to heighten visual interest
conceptual proportion: the size of parts are related to their conceptual emphasis rather than naturalism
straightness: an erect pose
balance achieved through alignment and symmetry
roundness (“the pleasing bulge”) and as a contrast, pleasing angularity
emphasis on the head, the locus of character, control, and ase (the power to get things done)
eyes are large, wide open, and protuberant to symbolize ase or to indicate a person is under the influence of a spirit
hand poses:

--to the side indicates spiritual alertness
--held forward with an offering to show generosity
--a woman holding up her breasts is another powerful symbol of giving
--hands holding a fan is a sign of rank and coolness

Teacher hints

For
A Veranda Post

Information

The images on the post communicate the idea that women are the source of human life and the man defends it.

House posts are carved from one piece of wood.

They decorate the inner courtyard of lineage compounds and are status symbols for the leader.

Discussion: Begin by asking the class to describe what they see:

What is this object? Who are the figures? What is the object made of?

What might the figures symbolize?

Activity

Ask the students to think about their families, who “supports the house,” and who helps. Perhaps there are other supporters, like close friends.

Have them draw their thoughts in the form of a housepost with the most important supporter at the bottom...or ask them to write about their ideas in a short essay.

To compare ideas, students who volunteer may explain their drawings or read their stories to the class.

For
“House of the head” shrine

Information

Shrines honoring the head, beautifully decorated like this one with cowrie shells (traditional Yoruba currency) and beads, belonged to elite members of society.

The supporting framework is an armature of reeds covered with starched cloth upon which the artist has stitched the beads and shells. It is both a construction and an example of collage needlework.

The lower boxlike form covered with cowrie shells (traditional Yoruba currency) symbolizes the riches (personal fufillment more than just wealth) a good head will bring.

The beads, expensive imports from Europe, allude also to the riches that come to the person with a good head.

The white color of the shells suggests purity and good character (iwa).

The equestrian figure alludes to the power and strength the individual needs to triumph over obstacles in life. The two figures facing inward below the mounted figure probably refer to the wish of the Yoruba to have children. Their arms encircle the beaded cone-shaped stand for the horseman, which would be packed with potent materials to assist in attracting positive vibrations to nurture the owner’s spirituality.

It is believed that within the shell-covered box is an imaginary white bird--the bird of the head--which the God places in the head of every person at birth as an emblem of the mind.

The image of the bird in much of Yoruba art therefore hints at the inner spirituality and power of transformation, which is inherent in many objects, including the individual head.

Discussion: Begin by asking the students to describe what they see and ask them to guess what the symbols and meaning might be. Gradually the leader of the discussion can divulge the meanings of the imagery and materials.

Activity

Have a discussion about why it is important for everyone to develop his or her mind. Besides becoming very smart, what does having a good head mean? And a good character?

If each one of us were going to create a kind of shrine honoring the head to remind us of its importance, what would we use to symbolize the riches and powers a good mind and character can bring. This can be a construction and collage activity or a painting or a short essay.

Share ideas when the activity is completed.

Photograph Credits