A shango staff with two heads on either side. Nigerian syle, Yoruba. 1st half 20th century. 5 1/2"l
Provenance: Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson.
Catalog Notes: "In the Yoruba culture, the thunder God, Shango, has a strong following. Cult members dance with small wooden staffs called ose Shango. These staffs most often depict a single female figure whose head supports a double ax. This double ax motif, which represents thunderstones is the most important element associated with Shango. It represents Shango's destructive side and his ability to hurl thunder bolts into the community." ohio.edu This is a very elegant shango staff that in profile represents the very best in Yoruba carving