Small dance wand "eshu" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3043033

Description

wood, brown patina, indigo blue pigment, carved with a female kneeling figure with “eshu” plait, strings of cowrie shells, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base.
Female devotees of “eshu” used to carry staffs in shape of male/female couples around their neck. The female figures frequently depict kneeling women holding their breasts. They were identified as devotees of “eshu” in characteristic sacrificial pose.