West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A ceremonial staff carved from wood with an axe blade headdress and the body of a woman integrated into the staff below the axe head. The woman presents with a lengthy skirt and exposed breasts while holding a pair of ritual knives or celts in her hands. A staff like this is called an Ose Shango staff, carried and danced with by members of the Shango cult. Shango is the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning, and the woman carved on the staff was intended to represent a worshipper of Shango. Size: 2" L x 5.375" W x 13.25" H (5.1 cm x 13.7 cm x 33.7 cm); 15" H (38.1 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, was also associated with virility and justice, and generally revered as one of the most powerful Yoruba leaders, and became a powerful god when 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; AHDRC object ao-0202488-001; ex-Ursula Heijs-Voorhuis collection, Netherlands

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#180829

Losses to lower section of handle as well as front of headdress as shown. Inactive insect damage, with fading to pigment, minor softening to some finer details, and heavy earthen deposits, otherwise in good condition. Great patina throughout, and light remains of pigment in scattered areas.