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Sango Staff: Male Figure (Ose Sango)

Duga of Meko Nigerian
ca. 1880–1960
Not on view
During his lifetime, Duga was recognized as Meko's most talented sculptor. Both Duga's father and grandfather had been woodcarvers. His father also occupied an important position within the Gelede society, a major patron of sculptural works that subsequently sponsored Duga's apprenticeship. Duga received his training as a boy under a master carver at Ketu, an important art center. In return, it was understood that Duga would carve Gelede masks without charge, though he would be allowed to keep fees for commissions made by worshipers of other deities, such as Sango.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sango Staff: Male Figure (Ose Sango)
  • Artist: Duga of Meko (Nigerian, Yoruba, 1880–1960)
  • Date: ca. 1880–1960
  • Geography: Nigeria, Ketu region, Meko
  • Culture: Yoruba peoples
  • Medium: Wood, pigment
  • Dimensions: H. 15 3/8 x W. 5 1/4 x D. 3 1/8 in. (39.1 x 13.3 x 7.9 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Ernst Anspach, 1983
  • Object Number: 1983.473
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
Sango Staff: Male Figure (Ose Sango), Duga of Meko  Nigerian, Wood, Yoruba peoples, Ijebu group
Duga of Meko
19th–20th century
Helmet Mask (Gelede), Yewa-Yoruba artist, Wood, pigment, metal staples, Yewa-Yoruba peoples
Yewa-Yoruba artist
19th–20th century
Staff with Equestrian Finial, Wood, Songo
Songo
19th–first half of 20th century
Ȯkyeame poma (royal spokesperson's staff) with stool, chain, and crossed swords, Asante-Akan artist, Wood, gold foil, Asante
Asante-Akan artist
ca. 1930s
Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ helmet mask, Yoruba artist, Wood, Yoruba
Yoruba artist
mid-20th century

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