Dance staff "oshe shango" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3034409

Description

wood, greyish black patina, handle in shape of a standing female figure, on both ends carved with a double-axe symbol with the bearded face of “eshu” in the middle, drilled holes around the rim, slightly dam., missing parts (breast, nose, double axe);
such dance staffs were used likewise by men and women at “shango” celebrations. Their characteristic feature is the double axe symbol. “Shango” is associated with fertilizing rain, he is said to be truth-loving and should punish liars and thieves.

The object Dance staff “oshe shango” with the object ID 3034409 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 229.

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