CHINWE RUSSELL - GRAND STUDIO SALE
Lot 6:
Description: "Chinwe Russell’s Masterpiece – Shango: The Revered Deity of Yoruba Religion" Prepare to be captivated by this exceptional artwork, a profound representation of Shango, a prominent deity deeply rooted in the rich Yoruba religion of southwestern Nigeria. This remarkable painting, created by the talented artist Chinwe Russell, bears testament to her unwavering inspiration drawn from the diverse and culturally rich African continent. Shango, also known as Esango among the Edo people of southeastern Nigeria and Sogbo or Ebioso in the religion of the Fon people of Benin, is more than just a deity. He embodies the fusion of an ancestral figure and a natural force, making him a quintessential symbol within the Yoruba pantheon. In Yoruba lore, Shango is revered as the fourth king of Oyo, characterized by his awe-inspiring power, a voice that rumbles like thunder, and words that ignite like fire. His legacy weaves a narrative of challenge and transformation, as the townspeople, swayed by the magical feats of a subordinate chief, deserted Shango. In the eyes of most, he was defeated and left Oyo, eventually taking his own life by hanging. However, his faithful followers believed otherwise, asserting that he ascended to the heavens on a celestial chain. For them, this wasn’t his demise but a profound transformation into an orisha. Shango’s significance deepened as he assimilated the attributes of Jakuta, a preexisting deity symbolizing the wrath of God. His cult became integral to the religious and political fabric of Oyo, influencing the installation of its kings. As Oyo expanded, so did the influence of the Shango cult, spreading across Yoruba kingdoms, as well as to the Edo and Fon people who incorporated Shango worship into their own religions. Shango’s dominion over natural forces is symbolized by fire and lightning. The iconic oshe, a double-headed battle-ax, serves as his most prominent ritual symbol. Statues depicting Shango often feature the oshe emerging directly from the top of his head, representing his essential attributes of war and vanquishing adversaries. The oshe is also wielded by Shango’s priesthood during ceremonial dances, either held close to their chests for protection or swung in a wide chest-high arc. The bata drum, personally chosen by Shango during his reign, remains central to his worship. Legend has it that Shango summoned storms with his rhythmic beats, a tradition continued by his devoted followers to this day. Shango’s influence transcended geographical boundaries, as Yoruba, Bini, and Fon people who were enslaved and transported to the Americas managed to reestablish Shango’s worship. In the Caribbean and South America, African slaves and their descendants upheld the legacy of Shango, incorporating it into the Vodou religion of Haiti, the Santería tradition of Cuba, and the Candomblé cult of Brazil. This enduring tradition is also represented in contemporary religious movements such as Trinidad Shango (the Shango Baptists) and the Afro-Brazilian cult Xangú, prominently observed in Recife. Bid now to make this exceptional masterpiece a part of your art collection, preserving the legacy and cultural significance of Shango, a revered deity bridging continents and generations.
Year of creation: 2021
Shipping cost: Shipping Cost varies depending on destination. Enquire.
Size
121x91cm
Condition
Very Good
Medium
Acrylic On Canvas
Signature
Signed by the artist.
Provenance
Direct From the artist’s Studio
Exhibited
Frenchgate Doncaster
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