Dance wand "eshu" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3037925

Description

wood, brown patina, black paint, metal tag eyes, of characteristic form, pierced hairdo with cord for suspension, the lobe of “eshu” indicated at the back of the head, missing parts through insect caused damage (handle), abrasion of paint;
the staff probably had a male counterpart. Both staffs were connected by a leather strap. Female devotees of “eshu” used to wear them around the neck. When not in use, they were hung upside down on the wall of an “eshu” shrine.