Ritual Staff, Shango

Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th c.

Old American collection acquired in 1991 from Eric Robertson Gallery, NYC

This staff or wand is called ‘Shango’ by the Yoruba people referencing the god it symbolizes. The sculptor was commissioned to create a version with Janus heads most likely giving it an ‘all seeing’ purpose or power. From all angles this object impresses but the two sides with the heads in profile is especially strong; the heads have a slight downward casting look that gives this object a sense of elegance, balancing its bold aesthetic.  Its handle is carved in the form of linked rings adding another element of beauty to the sculpture. Its in excellent condition and it exhibits a varied deep and dark brown patina. An extremely similar example, most likely carved by the same carver is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 1989.391.1.