Dance staff "oshe shango" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3033829

Description

wood, partly encrusted blackish brown patina, carved with a kneeling female figure, crowned by a double axe symbol, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, on base;
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.