Two dance staffs "eshu"
Nigeria, Yoruba
not available anymore
Size
H: 34,5 cm
H: 13.6 inch
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, carved with a female resp. male kneeling figure with “eshu” plait, strings of cowrie shells, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of insect caused damage, base;
“eshu” staffs in the shape of a pair of male and female are worn around the neck by female devotees. The female sculptures frequently show kneeling women holding their breasts. They were identified as devotees of “eshu” showing a typical sacrificial posture.