Dance staff "oshe shango" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3037817

Description

wood, partly encrusted brown patina, in form of a kneeling female figure, surmounted by a double axe, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
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.