Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Sango Staff/ Dance Wand |
Object ID |
S426 |
Collection |
AFRICAN |
Object Name |
Carving |
Material |
Wood |
Dimensions |
H-39.1 W-12 L-6.84 cm |
Description |
Wood carving of a female figure kneeling and holding her breasts on a truncated base. Base has linear and geometric designs on upper section. The female's knees and the tip of her toes are attached to the top of base. The sculpture has linear designs on her pelvic area, slightly bulging belly, pronounced facial features and three linear incisions on both cheeks. She is wearing a head piece resembling a bi-facial double bladed axe. This sculpture would have been part of a collection of sculptures kept at the shrine of Shango, a group of orishas who were once a living man, and carried by Shango priests or devotees during public worship. In Yoruba tradition, Shango was the ruler of the Oyo people and after his death he was deified as the god of thunder and lighting. The double bladed axe atop the sculpture represents the thunder bolts Shango hurled at those who offended him. Female sculptures also represented Shango's benevolent nature as it was believed he blessed women with children. |
Credit line |
Courtesy: Institute of Jamaica |
Legal Status |
This image can be used for educational purposes without restrictions. A higher quality image may attract fees. |
Provenance |
Africa |
Web Rights |
In Copyrights |