Producer unknown to us
Figurine of Oshun
Africa, Nigeria
Prior to 1912
Wood, carved
Leo Frobenius (ethnologist) appropriated the figure during his 4th research trip from 1910–1912
Purchased by the museum from Frobenius in 1912
MAf 22639
Oshun is one of the most powerful and youngest orishas (deities) in Yoruba cosmology. The polytheistic religion, practiced mainly in West Africa, worships more than 400 deities.
Oshun is the goddess of love, fresh water, and the patron saint of the Osun River in Nigeria. She is associated with fertility and life itself. According to a myth, Oshun was originally the only female of the 17 deities sent to earth by Olodumare, the creator of the universe, to create life. All the male deities failed in their attempt to create life, and it was only with Oshun's help that the undertaking succeeded. She is therefore one of the most powerful orishas.
The still unfinished figurine was probably initially made for a shrine, where it would have served as a means of communication between Oshun and her worshipers.
Leo Frobenius appropriated this figurine during his fourth research trip to Nigeria and Cameroon (DIAFE IV) from 1910 to 1912 and sold it to the museum in 1912.
Stefanie Bach