**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 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 is seated and nude save the glass trade beads around her hips. 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: 3.625" L x 4.125" W x 10.5" H (9.2 cm x 10.5 cm x 26.7 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Arcadia, California, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#160955

Missing both arms, proper right leg, part of posterior, and part of stool. Expected chips, nicks, and abrasions throughout, especially on headdress. Otherwise, very good with nice earthen deposits.