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Lot Essay
Cf. Drewal, H.J., Pemberton, J. and Abiodun, R., Yoruba Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought, New York, 1989, p.201, fig.234, for a similar bowl from Efon-Alaye, Ekiti.
Pemberton writes: "In the first quarter of this century, Efon-Alaye was the centre of carving in southern Ekiti. Its most famous workshop was in the compound of the Adeshina family, which was widely known not only for its carvers but also its beadworkers. The kneeling female figure with cock is often referred to by Ekiti peoples as Olumeye, "One-Who-Knows-Honour", and is said to depict a woman who is the messenger of spirits. Such sculptures were used for the cola nuts offered to visitors, as shrine containers for offerings to an orisa, and to hold the palm nuts used in Ifa divination"
Pemberton writes: "In the first quarter of this century, Efon-Alaye was the centre of carving in southern Ekiti. Its most famous workshop was in the compound of the Adeshina family, which was widely known not only for its carvers but also its beadworkers. The kneeling female figure with cock is often referred to by Ekiti peoples as Olumeye, "One-Who-Knows-Honour", and is said to depict a woman who is the messenger of spirits. Such sculptures were used for the cola nuts offered to visitors, as shrine containers for offerings to an orisa, and to hold the palm nuts used in Ifa divination"