West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba culture, ca. early 20th century CE. An intriguing ceremonial staff known as an ose Shango depicting a stylized woman kneeling atop an integral rectangular plinth. The woman presents with conical breasts above a flush skirt and holds large strands of incised hair on either side of her stylized visage, and above her elaborate coiffure rests a sizable double axe finial bearing a pair of ovoid eyes on an orange and black ground. The double axe symbol pertains to thunderstones, the sources of destructive power of the thunder god Shango. Beneath her plinth is a cylindrical handle with an openwork triangular suspension loop. Size: 4.8" W x 14" H (12.2 cm x 35.6 cm); 15.2" H (38.6 cm) on included custom stand.

An ose Shango like this example is a ceremonial staff used when honoring the god Shango (also Jakuta), a royal ancestor of the Yoruba people who was the third king (alafin) of the Oyo Kingdom. Shango, the god of thunder and lightning who also associates with virility and justice, is generally revered as one of the most powerful Yoruba leaders and subsequently one of their most powerful gods as he was deified after his death. Shango staves are carried and danced with by members of the Shango cult to pay their respects while providing offerings for safety and security.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Fernandez Leventhal Gallery, New York, New York, USA

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#155715

Minor abrasions to figure, head element, and handle, with light fading to pigmentation, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Smooth surface textures and great remains of original pigment throughout. Old inventory label behind handle.