African Art

Horse and Rider, 19th-20th century
Wood, pigment

Unknown Yoruba artist

Probably Ikorodu town, Ijebu region, Nigeria

Purchased with funds from the Alice Speed Stoll Accessions Trust 2004.4

The elongated and linear forms of this elegantly carved horse and rider suggest that it may have once formed part of a complex, multi-figure Magbo headdress worn by members of the Oro society during their annual festivals. The Oro society is responsible for enforcing the judgments of the Osugbo, the Yoruba equivalent of the judicial branch of the government. The Oro collect fines, punish the guilty, and in the most serious cases carry out death sentences. Magbo headdresses feature a variety of figures representing all walks of life, often including a horse and rider figure such as this, perhaps speaking of the communal responsibilities performed by the Oro.