Dance wand "oshe shango"
Nigeria, Yoruba
sold
EUR 1,200
Provenance
Galerie Schwarz-Weiß, Essen, GermanyRoland Hartmann, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Zemanek-Münster, Wurzburg, 15. November 2008, lot 92
Koller, Zurich, 20. Juni 2011, lot 204
Size
H: 37,5 cm
H: 14.8 inch
Description
wood, remains of colour pigments, base
With such dance wands in their hands, the followers of the mighty thunder god “shango” participated in dances, processions, and rites in honor of their god. When not being used, the staffs are used to decorate shrines dedicated to “shango”.
The double blade motif is a stylized refererence to the thundercelts or neolithic axes believed to be hurled from the skies by “shango”. The double-bladed axe “edun ara” is, therefore, a primary symbol of “shangos” presence and power.
Publications
AHDRC: 0104999