A pair of Ogboni figures, Yoruba people, Nigeria, of thin elongated torso with leaf pattern on the stomach, bent knees, thin curved arms, the male figure is holding a receptacle, the female is holding a child, their oval shaped head have distinct features, they are smocking a pipe. the nose is large and flat, their eyes are slanted, they are wearing a small hat, onto which are attached chains that connect them, the jaws of both figures are delicately decorated with a frieze or rounded shapes, as goes with the decoration on the for the rest of the body. Signs of use, oxidation. Ogboni sculptures are often imbued with spiritual significance, representing deities, ancestors, or spirits important to the Yoruba cosmology. They serve as conduits for communication with the spiritual realm and are used in rituals and ceremonies. These sculptures may depict figures such as Osanyin (the deity of herbal medicine), Orunmila (the deity of wisdom and divination), or various ancestral spirits. Ogboni sculptures can symbolize authority and governance within Yoruba society. The Ogboni society historically held considerable influence in matters of justice, mediation, and decision-making. Sculptures associated with the Ogboni often depict symbols of power and leadership, reflecting the societal role of the institution. Sources: Yoruba Art and Culture": This book by Gbadebo Odularu provides insights into various aspects of Yoruba art, including sculptures, their symbolism, and cultural significance. "The Art of Nigeria": Written by William Fagg, this book explores Nigerian art forms, including Yoruba sculpture traditions and their cultural contexts. "The Yoruba Ogboni Cult in Historical Perspective": A scholarly article by Peter Clarke, which delves into the historical and cultural dimensions of the Ogboni society, shedding light on its rituals, symbols, and significance within Yoruba society. Height: 53 cm / 56 cm Weight: 2,3 kg / 2,2 kg