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Wooden figure representing the god Eshu, Nigeria, 1880-1920
- Science Museum, London
- Digital Images
- Online
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Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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Credit: Wooden figure representing the god Eshu, Nigeria, 1880-1920. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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Description
Carved from wood, the Yoruba god (orisha) Eshu kneels and wears a large headdress in a pose he is typically represented in. Eshu is often seen as a figure of trickery and surprise representing the uncertainty of divination. Divination determines the cause of disease or its treatment in many African traditions. Eshu also brings trouble that could come in the form of illness. The Yoruba people traditionally live in south-west Nigeria.
maker: Yoruba people
Place made: Nigeria