A rare pair of old and authentic Eshu dance wands from the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria, West Africa. Traditional male and female pair with evidence of ritual use and obvious age and handling. The pair measure 11 inches tall. They have been custom mounted.This Pair was previously in the collection of Mr Moses Asch, NYC , also Ex Collection Jerry Halprin, NYC.****Moses Asch was the founder of Folkways records, and ran the Folkways record label until his death in 1986 when the label was acquired by the Smithsonian and released as the "Smithsonian Folkways Records"Eshu is a trickster God who is both trustful and mischievous, the Yoruba believe he can deliver prosperity or cause hardships. He is also known as the protector of travelers, and most importantly, he is the mediator between the realm of spiritual and mortal worlds. Among the Yoruba he is the guardian of sacred rituals. Eshu is especially closely linked to Shango rituals.Such dance wands as these are carried by young Yoruba devotees on important ritual occasions. It is especially closely linked to the Shango annual festival. Eshu dance wands are very similar in iconography to Shango dance wands, apart from its unique coiffure. Also, Eshu dance wands can often be found in pairs whereas no documented evidence can be found for Shango dance wands in pairs.

Well handled, small chip to back of one staff.