YORUBA OLUMEYE

Yoruba Olumeye kneeling female figure.

Olumeye (meaning 'one who knows honour') are kneeling female figure bowls used by Yoruba chiefs and kings to present kola nut offerings to guests. They are also sometimes used as containers to hold the palm nuts used as offerings to Yoruba deities (Orishas) in the Ifa divination process.

Carved from a single piece of wood. The Olumeye figure is normally female, nude with beads around her waist indicating that she is a virgin. The hair style is normally high and flat. Three vertical tribal marks adorn each cheek and a protective amulet (tirah) is carved above the breasts and sometimes also on the back. Incised patterns are always visible on the lidded bowl and the body of the female kneeling figure holding the bowl with both hands.

Condition

Very good vintage condition, no wood loss. Single split measuring 3.5cm on the left side corner of oval sculpture base ( visible in pictures) The crack is very stable.