About this artwork

This artwork portrays sango as a tyrannical ruler dispensing judgement on a guilty slave. The symbols on the palace walls signify the Yoruba symbols of; (from right to left) Loyalty, Strength, Wisdom and greatness, while his throne carries the symbol of Humility which are all nods to the characteristics every king should possess. The gold used for his throne and other decorations indicate the riches possessed by the king, most of which he acquired from conquest and the defeat of his foes.