1994.199.1.McD Kneeling male figure

Commissioned by thankful petitioners, this figure and its pair were once placed on an altar dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba thunder god (see also [1994.199.2.McD]). His wrath and power are manifested in thunder and lightning, which he uses to punish those who do not honor him. He favors those who do with fertility, prosperity, good health, and long life.

Shango is not portrayed as a man but is symbolized by the carved triangular forms on the male figure's cap, which represent thunderstones Shango hurls from the sky. Both figures are posed kneeling out of respect and courtesy to Shango and his worshippers. 

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.

n.d.: Ginzberg Collection, New York

1994: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from L & R Entwhistle and Co. Ltd, London [1]

The main source for this provenance is the invoice dated November 23, 1994, in the Collections Records object file (1994.199.1-2.McD)

[1] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fun remains with the Fund.

Set operator as OR

Apply to objects where number equals 1994.199.1.McD

Apply to objects where number equals 1994.199.2.McD