🔵 Here’s a little BLUESDAY inspiration from our African art collection, currently on view in Infinite Blue.
The Yoruba consider the head to be the seat of an individual’s àse (power or life force) and their ìwà (personal character). The considerable detail given to the head of this arugba (meaning “one who carries the calabash”) and the blue hair crest, probably decorated with the pigment known as laundry blue, suggest a cool, controlled vitality. This figure likely served as a receptacle for small gifts on a shrine altar, possibly dedicated to Shango, the god of thunder and lightning. Based on characteristic carving details and similarities of form, this figure was probably carved by Maku, the master carver of the town of Erin, or by his son Toibo.
Maku of Erin (died 1915) or Toibo of Erin (died 1937). Kneeling Female Figure (Arugba), early 20th century. Oshogbo region, Nigeria. Wood, pigment Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Mandelbaum, 82.103a-b.