Dance Staff
Yoruba
Description
Subject Matter:
Like many other objects related to various Yoruba orisas or gods, the figure in this staff, called oshe Shango, is not the orisa but a depiction of one of his followers. The god of thunder and lightning, Shango was an ancient king of the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo. The double axe shape at the top of the figure represented neolithic stone celts, thought to be thunderstones hurled to earth by Shango during storms. His hot temperament could be cooled by the good character, or iwa, of his followers, shown here by the female figure offering with both hands, a Yoruba gesture of generosity. When not used by a priest or priestess of Shango, who carried the staff in dances during ceremonial events, it would have remained at the shrine for powerful but paradoxical orisa. Thunderstorms, thought to be caused by Shango, brought necessary rain as well as destructive lightning and wind.
References Cited:
Drewal, Henry John, John Pemberton and Rowland O. Abiodun. 1989. Yoruba: Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought. New York: Center for African Art.
Lawal, Babatunde. 2012. Visions of Africa: Yoruba. Milan: 5 Continents Editions.
Thompson, Robert Farris. 1983. Flash of the Spirit: African and Afro-American Art and Philosophy. New York: Random House.
Physical Description:
A staff with a short cylindrical handle surmounted by a female figure. The figure wears a skirt decorated with concentric circles and holds a bowl with both hands. Around the neck is string of beads and the hairstyle is conical, topped by a double axe.
Usage Rights:
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