Devil Figure Item Number: 2738/120 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Standing black painted abstract devil ("Exu") figure. Male figure with eyes, mouth and eyebrows painted red. He is naked, with long pointed horns and long tail that touches the ground, and holds a trident (b) in his right hand and a pointed staff (c) in his left. Appendages have been screwed or soldered onto a piece of iron rod worked into a rough body shape.
Iconographic Meaning
In the syncretic Afro-Brazilian version of Yoruba religion, Exú (the Portuguese spelling of Eshu) is imagined (in a nod to Catholic references) as a devilish figure, though he still retains all the characteristics inherited from Yoruba knowledge. Exu is similar in archetype to the greco-roman Hermes/Mercury, in that he is the messenger, businessman, trickster, keeper of roads, keeper of keys, etc. He is associated with the colors red and black, and the number three. He is often depicted as the devil--not in relation to purgatory, but in that he will do things to upset peoples' lives when they become too smug or complacent.
Item History
- Made in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Owned by Blanca Muratorio and Ricardo Muratorio before May 1, 2009
- Received from Blanca Muratorio (Donor) and Ricardo Muratorio (Donor) on May 1, 2009
What
- Name
- Devil Figure
- Identification Number
- 2738/120 a-c
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- iron metal and paint
- Part A
- height 21.0 cm, width 5.0 cm, depth 6.5 cm
- Part B
- height 17.3 cm, width 4.5 cm, depth 0.5 cm
- Part C
- height 16.6 cm, diameter 0.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Brazilian
- Previous Owner
- Blanca Muratorio and Ricardo Muratorio
- Received from
- Blanca Muratorio (Donor) and Ricardo Muratorio (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
When
- Ownership Date
- before May 1, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on May 1, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 93
- Accession Number
- 2738/0120 a-c