Dance staff "oshe shango" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3034409

Description

wood, greyish black patina, handle in shape of a standing female figure, on both ends carved with a double-axe symbol with the bearded face of “eshu” in the middle, drilled holes around the rim, slightly dam., missing parts (breast, nose, double axe);
such dance staffs were used likewise by men and women at “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.