Object Details
- Label Text
- Purchased at gourd carving cooperative in Oyo, this decorative lid shows the continuation and changing of a tradition. Traditionally, the Yoruba compare circular lidded gourd containers to the universe with two tightly fitting halves representing the ordinary world of the living and the spiritual realm. This lid is pierced and shallow, with the word "Oyo" worked into the pattern along the rim.
- Description
- Shallow circular gourd with the surface removed and a carved geometric pattern arranged around the center hole with arrows pointing out from the center circles and a diamond pattern on the border. A triangular hole cut on one side forms the "Y" in Oyo and the gourd is decorated in white and grey pigment.
- Provenance
- Mildred A. Morton, Falls Church, Virginia, acquired Oyo, Nigeria, 1973 to 2000
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Yoruba artist
- Date
- 1973
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mildred A. Morton
- Medium
- Gourd, pigment
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 7.2 x 37.1 x 37 cm (2 13/16 x 14 5/8 x 14 3/4 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
