Description: Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria an intricate combination of myth and religion explains history, categorizes natural phenomenon and establishes various deities. Led by deities known as “orishas” who form a complex religion with many different faces and an equally complex set of images. Wands were carried by female devotees of the Yoruba deity or orisha (God) known as Shango who had been in the past the fourth King of Oyo-Ile. He was also known as the “Thunder God” who caused lightening to flash and was responsible for the many early stone tools (era edun) found in the region which people believed fell to the earth when Shango cast lightening bolts downwards to earth. The shape of the double-headed axe (double celt) surmounting the wand represents these stones and the blue marks (indigo powder which protects the figure) across the surface represents the local scarification of the region in which this dance wand was carved. The fact that the figure holding the downward curving elements is a female shows that it was carried by a female devotee during annual festivals or on special other ritual days. This symbolism is important in that it was the women devotees of Shango who sang praise songs known as oriki while making gestures portraying violence. Measures: 25 1/2" x 8" Material: Heavy solid woodWeight: 13 lbsPS: back of base between the legs there's a small square hole, left side of face has a hair line crack which has remained the same sine I obtained over 20 years ago. Has been part of my collection but let it go so someone can enjoy.
Price: 550 USD
Location: Bronxville, New York
End Time: 2024-11-22T20:34:39.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type: Sculpture
Year of Production: 2002
Material: Wood
Country/Region of Manufacture: Nigeria
Subject: Africa
