Door
| Culture | Nupe |
|---|---|
| Title | Door |
| Date | 19th–20th century |
| Medium | Wood |
| Dimensions | Object (approximate measurement): 65 1/4 × 38 in. (165.7 × 96.5 cm) Overall (approximate measurement): 65 1/4 x 38 in. (165.7 x 96.5 cm) |
| Credit Line | Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 75.24 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
The exterior of this wooden door is divided into three sections, and carved depicting animals, birds, snakes, and abstract shapes and patterns in relief.
Until well into the twentieth century, Nupe leaders and other important people commissioned carved wooden doors for the entrances to their compounds as an indicator of their wealth and status. As is typical, this door was created from multiple panels, each of which is decorated with relief carvings. In addition to abstract decorative patterns, representations from the natural world, such as the snake, birds, and quadruped in this example, are frequent subjects. Elements relating to Islam, the dominant religion among the Nupe, such as the Koranic writing board and mosque plans seen here, are often included. Other objects made by people are sometimes depicted too, such as sandals, guns (one is shown here), and even airplanes.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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Cite this page
"Door | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=75.24