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A Yoruba beaded sheath, Nigeria
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
ewu, the cloth with multi-colored glass beads in geometric patterns on each side, with a row of beaded quadrupeds attached and diamond-shaped flanges to the sides and a face at the top; fine aged surface.
Provenance
Pace Primitive, New York
Exhibited
Pace Primitive, New York, Yoruba Beadwork, September 20 - October 18, 1980
Literature
William Fagg, Yoruba Beadwork: Art of Nigeria, New York, 1980, p. 69, pl. 19
Condition
Good condition overall.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Beaded sheaths, ewu orisha Oko, are used to 'clothe' the metal staffs of the orisha Oko, god of the farm, when not in ritual use. In the Rosenthal example, the face is marked with red and white stripes, which a priestess of Oko wears on ritual occasions. The row of animals further symbolizes Oko's power over the farm (Fagg 1980: 68).