Veranda: A Yoruba Sculptor

Veranda: A Yoruba Sculptor carved by Agunna  (Died 1930)

Wood Pigment by Lawrence Archer Wachs Trust 2003.271 (Location: Art Museum, Cincinnati.)

            This wood carving image capture my attention because it represents the tribe that I belong to. I chose to write on this because it reminds me of ancient Yoruba culture when men were regarded as powerful. This image actually shows gender roles in the Yoruba communities.

            The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, decoratively carved veranda posts graces the courtyard of palaces and the entrance to shrines. The strong geometric shapes of this veranda post reveal the distinctive hand of Yoruba master sculptor Agunna of Oke Igbira, from southwestern Nigeria, who died around 1930. The artist conveys a lively visual tension through angular, compact forms put side by side with openwork areas and through postures that suggest action or movement- such as the charming baby whose head is turned to one side, thus engaging the viewer.

            The composition speaks of power. The upper section, which celebrates the nurturing power of women, is dominated by a seated female, with one child on her lap and another on her back. The lower section portrays a powerful male figure with flywhisk in hand, astride a horse- an artist convention denoting authority and prestige. Smaller figures represent musicians, religions specialists and devotees, and women in nurturing poses, all forming part of Yoruba community life.

            Cultural functions are clearly divided among the people of this tribe. Females are in charge of domestic works such as nursing babies, cooking food and cleaning the house. The females of this tribe usually held the males in high esteem as they are regarded as powerful. The males are to provide for their family and give protection against external attack. As seen in this wood carving, the male figure was carved carrying the female and her children. This clearly showed responsibility and authority. The children are also responsible for domestic errands.

            The small figures playing instruments represent the social aspect of Yoruba community life. Relaxation and socialization form an integral part of this community as people gathered at different times of the year to celebrate their successes, and get together. In so doing, they share not only their joys, but they also share in each other’s sorrowful moments. Musicians and entertainers have always been called upon whenever there is a celebration.

            The Yoruba community has a great devotion to the Almighty. They have both male and female images of God. The wood carving helps them to fix their imagination on the images they can see. They respect these images as they would for Almighty. This is why these images are placed at the entrance of the palace and shrine. These two places have a powerful representation of the Almighty in Yoruba community. The palaces are where the throne of their king is. This king represents the higher king. Therefore; everyone must respect him, not only for his position, but also for whom he represents. The shrine is a physical meeting place of the Almighty. There are priests in charge of these shrines, as the mediators between humans and God. The images at this shrine are to remind the worshipers of the uniqueness and power of this God.

            Images and paintings serve as decorations and at the same time they help people to see beyond their immediate vision. This Veranda sculpture has served a lot of functions in Yoruba communities.