Agba Ogboni
George Bandele was a Christian, known for his elaborately carved doors on Catholic Churches; however, he also accepted commissions from the powerful Yoruba Ogboni men’s society. This Ogboni drum, one of Bandele’s more ornate pieces, is the largest drum in a set of three. In Yoruba society, drums are the dominant instrumental type, often made in different sizes and identified as members of a family. The leader of the ensemble usually plays the principal instrument which is identified as the Mother. Although the carvings’ meanings are elusive, this drum features emblems referencing Shango (God of fire, thunder, and lighting) as well as the mudfish, which is a symbol of Olokun, an Orisha (spirit) associated with the sea. In Nigeria, many old Ogboni objects have been lost and are becoming increasingly rare.
Artwork Details
- Title: Agba Ogboni
- Maker: George Bandele (Nigerian, born 1910)
- Date: mid-20th century
- Geography: Osi-Ilorin, Opin, Nigeria
- Culture: Yoruba
- Medium: Wood (aberinberin?), hide
- Dimensions: Height: 55 7/8 in. (142 cm)
Diameter: 19 15/16 in. (50.6 cm) - Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / cylindrical drum
- Credit Line: Purchase, Frederick M. Lehman Bequest, 2006
- Object Number: 2006.308.1
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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George Bandele
mid-20th century
George Bandele
mid-20th century
George Bandele
20th century
Yoruba people
early 20th century
Yoruba
20th century
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