Sculpture - Wood - Shango - Nigeria

A Shango dance staff. A kneeling female figure holds a v-shaped Shango dance staff in her hands, which reflects the v-shaped top of her head, scarifications on breasts, back, arms and cheeks, elaborated hairstyle, in carved bracelets and necklaces; fine resinous patina, traces of age and ritual use; provenance: Abdu Ousmane, called "Barré", Lomé Togo, used during dancing ceremonies. Shango is the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning, the double-ax motif a top this piece is a metaphor for the thunderbolt that Shango hurls down from the sky at those who do not respect him. Shango was the third Alafin of Oyo, following Oranmiyan and Ajaka. He brought prosperity to the Oyo Empire According to Professor Mason's Mythological Account of Heroes and Kings, unlike his peaceful brother Ajaka, he was a powerful and violent ruler. He reigned for seven years which were marked by his continuous campaigns and many battles. His reign ended due to his inadvertent destruction of his palace by lightning. He had three wives, namely Queen Oshun, Queen Oba, and Queen Oya.