Dance staff "oshe shango"
Nigeria, Yoruba
sold
EUR 450
Provenance
German Private Collection, Hamburg, collected in situ (1959 - 1965)Size
H: 41 cm
H: 16.1 inch
Description
wood, slightly encrusted dark brown patina, remains of pigments, strings of glass beads, characteristic form (kneeling female figure with double axe symbol), min. dam.;
such dance staffs were used likewise by men and women during “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.