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Yoruba Ladle: The Power Of Women In African Art

Decent Essays

African art is of great uniqueness not just in comparison to what we have studied up until now, but the way they interpret both art and the leadership roles that posses their people is of great fascination. Although sharing some similarities to previous topics we have covered this semester, African leaders are often viewed as having a spiritual relationship with the land and their people, but the power of women in particular is the centerpiece to African art and spiritual power. A uniqueness that is only found only within the African culture. The object I chose was a 20th century Yoruba Ladle, although a item that would have been used on a regular basis, and very “bland” object at first glance. This ladle caught my attention for not …show more content…

Although a very small detail this shows that this ladle was of great use, it had no business being place on a countertop or drawer, it needed to be hung for display and future use at all times. Below this triangular cutout begins the hand of the ladle, smooth and round with no damages or signs of anything less than carved perfection. Underneath the smooth handle is the main attraction of the ladle. An incredible detailed woman lies naked on her knees, holding her breast; smiling and open eyed looking out onto everyone being served from her beneath bowl. This not only is the centerpiece of the ladle but also a very powerful image both from an artistic standpoint, but mostly for the significance it has to African culture. The Yoruba people much like many other African groups have a very strong appeal to the power of women, precious items such as ladle’s or iroke consist of three sectioned objects. The topmost section symbolizes the inner spiritual, the middle section usually portrays a human head or kneeling naked women, …show more content…

This ladle is that object, it is going to be the centerpiece for serving the community at today’s gathering. As all gather in their tribal dresses, braided hair and color beaded dresses the use of this ladle is to serve those gathered. This ladle cannot be used by anyone ordinary; a person of power can only use such an object this. This person is a woman. The power of feeding the people is of great honor and one only done by women because of their status as creator god. He has put all women in charge of all good things on earth and feeding their people is a top priority. This ladle is used on a regular occurrence, being used for gatherings, and serving those around them for years previously and years to come on a consistent basis. This ladle is not only seen as a symbol of serving put embodies much of what the Yoruba people believe in from a cultural standpoint in the detail of the ladle itself. The motif of connecting life with household implements. The role of the ladle being used by women as a nurturer and caregiver shows the stretch that this once ordinary piece of wood significance to the

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