Standing Figure of Eshu

Dateearly 20th century

Label TextStanding in the corner is a gentleman who tempts fate. He likes to preside at places of transition, where he can push people to recognize the need to change directions. He carries a sword to cut through difficulties and a flywhisk to invoke his authority to make things happen. Esu is prepared to bring the insights of the gods to bear on earthly dilemmas, such as changing jobs and moving on. After 37 years, Michael McCafferty retired from his work at the Seattle Art Museum on April 20, 2012. He was the lead designer for galleries in this museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and SAAM and oversaw the installation of several hundred exhibitions. He was offered the following praise salute on his last day: Master of the delicate dance Required to give art the chance To fly through the air and land at our feet May Esu guide your fate in all that you meet.

Object number2012.11

Provenance(Said to have been collected between 1925 and 1930); private collection, France (dates unknown); private collection, United States (dates unknown); [Entwistle Gallery, Paris, France], by 2012; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2012

Photo CreditImage provided by Lance Entwistle

Published ReferencesWilliam Fagg, Yoruba: Sculpture of West Africa, London, 1982 Robert Farris Thompson, Face of the Gods, New York, 1993

Credit LineGeneral Acquisition Fund in honor of Michael McCafferty

Dimensions19 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (49.5 x 16.5 x 15.9 cm)

MediumWood, iron