Description: This is an antique African flyswatter recently purchased from a private collection. It is from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria and depicts Orisha Eshu, a principal deity of Ifa divination. The carved standing figure has a braided plait and ritual scarification on his face. He is mounted onto a braided and knotted hide leather handle with long and flat strips of hide leather. The leather is laced and tied onto the wooden handle with animal sinew and there is a small leather loop attached to the back for hanging. It measures 25" long. The figure is 7" tall. Condition: There is evidence that this piece was used in ceremonies. One of his knees was damaged: there is some signs of burning and an old nail where it appears an old repair was attempted. There are stress cracks in the wood, especially the face area. We purchased the collection of late 19th and early 20th century Nigerian artifacts collected between approx. 1950-70. There are over 50 pieces with a focus on ceremonial, ritual and spiritual tools and also a collection of West African currency manilla bracelets. Many are rare museum quality pieces including Ifa Divination tools, cowrie shrines and fetishes and Eshu figures. Be sure to check my listings for the other pieces from the same collection. All the pieces have been privately held for the last 60+ years by the original collectors and are offered here for sale for the first time. Provenance will be provided to the winning buyer if requested.
Price: 299 USD
Location: Absecon, New Jersey
End Time: 2025-01-05T12:30:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Original/Reproduction: Original
Tribe: Yoruba
