Carried during Shango cult
ceremony, the top of the wand
with symmetrical triangular forms,
symbolizing thunder bolts, and
four sculptural faces at base, each
bearing domed headdress, large
rimmed eyes, and facial
scarification. The handle carved
with ribbing and zig-zag registers
and grooves along disc base. One
side of wand including two faces
are smooth from rubbing against
bearer. Traces of blue pigment.
Very old, probably 19th century.
Acquired from private midwest
collection. Collected by Leo
Frobenius, the famous German
anthropologist,who discovered
the Yoruba.
15"H x 2.5"W x 2"D
Title: Dance Wand
Material: Wood and natural blue pigment
People: Shango
Country: Nigeria
Description: Carried during Shango cult ceremony,
the top of the wand with symmetrical triangular
forms, symbolizing thunder bolts, and four
sculptural faces at base, each bearing domed
headdress, large rimmed eyes, and facial
scarification. The handle carved with ribbing and
zig-zag registers and grooves along disc base.
One side of wand including two faces are smooth
from rubbing against bearer. Traces of blue pigment.
Provenance: Acquired from private midwest collection.
Collected by Leo Frobenius, the famous German
anthropologist, who discovered the Yoruba.
Included is a custom-built metal stand.
Wand dimensions: 15" height x 2 1/2" width x 2" depth
Stand dimensions: 1/4" height x 3 1/2" width x 3 1/2" depth
Wand with stand dimensions: 15 1/4" height x 3 1/2" width x 3 1/2" depth
