Boat Group

Thomas Ona Odulate

c. 1940

Wood, pigment

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A wooden sculpture depicts a group of six figures in a boat. One figure stands at the stern holding a paddle, while another sits at the bow holding an umbrella. The other four figures are seated between them, holding paddles. Thomas Ona Ondulate was a trained Yoruba sculptor who also created work to sell to Europeans. This figure of a British colonial district officer on tour combines a sure carving style with gentle irony. While Europeans often thought that they were being caricatured, the artist said that he was simply representing the world as he saw it. Gallery Not on View The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund