Dance staff "oshe shango" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3037817
sold
EUR 1,500
Provenance
Sotheby’s London, 29th June 1987, lot 185Size
H: 51 cm
H: 20.1 inch
Description
wood, partly encrusted brown patina, in form of a kneeling female figure, surmounted by a double axe, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
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.