Dance staff "eshu" · Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3035448
Vendu
250 €
Provenance
Hans Hess, Basel, Switzerland (1972)Swiss Private Collection
Description
wood, lusterless blackish brown patina, kneeling male figure with horn-like projecting “eshu” lobe, in each hand holding a calabash, rich scarification marks on the face, slightly dam. (lobe), missing parts through insect caused damage, continuous crack (left hand side), paint rubbed off, socle;
the figure probably had a female counterpart to which it was attached by a long strap. It was worn around the neck by female devotees of “eshu”. When not in use, such figures were hung upside down on the wall in an “eshu” shrine.