King Paris Congolese American, b. 1988
Guimbala Horsemen, 2025
Resin, archival finish
12 x 13 x 7 in
30.5 x 33 x 17.8 cm
30.5 x 33 x 17.8 cm
Origin - Yoruba, Benin Guimbala horseman figures were primarily used for religious rituals, placed on private or communal altars to honor deified ancestors, rulers, and deities, particularly Shango. They also...
Origin - Yoruba, Benin
Guimbala horseman figures were primarily used for religious rituals, placed on private or communal altars to honor deified ancestors, rulers, and deities, particularly Shango. They also served to symbolize status and power, as horses were rare symbols of prestige for nobility and rulers. The figures sometimes represented historical warriors or legendary figures associated with powerful empires like the Mali Empire, with elements like the quiver signifying royal power, and sometimes depicted military triumphs.