Yoruba Wood Medicine Box

The figures here sit shoulder to shoulder, busy with something that is none of your concern.

This medicine box is Yoruba, from Nigeria in West Africa, in carved wood. Owners among the Yoruba used boxes like this to keep medicines and small ritual materials safe, and the carved figures, seated, kneeling or offering, reward a slow turn of the object. The domed lid of this one is ringed with seated figures in high relief, one holding a flat object in the lap. A small round boss with rays crowns the top, inside fine concentric hatching. A twisted band marks the join, and more figures appear below. The surface is dark and earthy, with a reddish tone.

Turning it around once will not be enough.