Power Object
Yoruba, Nigeria
Lead, forged iron
19th century
The twisted locks of iron that were hammered into the lead bust appear to form the coiffure on this sculpture, but more importantly, they served to augment the spiritual potency of this powerful talisman. Deliberately, one of them points forward, in an aggressive manner. There was no African blacksmith who made sculptures with these materials - lead and iron - routinely. It was surely as unusual of a creation then as it is now.
Regardless of whether it was cast or carved, because the bust is made of soft, malleable lead, its lifespan was doomed from the start. Now, one almost has to imagine the face to see it, but once imagined, it can't be unseen.
Clearly created to be an object of power and potency, this sculpture still accomplishes its goal today. It wants to be in the hand, and its substantial weight ensures that the holder cannot deny its significance. For whatever it lacks in aesthetics, it overcompensates with intangibles.
3.5 in :: 9 cm
InventoryID #13-380
Price on Request
