Africa Nigeria. Yoruba Shango shrine wand in the manner of a dance wand. A bare-breasted female holds a rainbow symbol in two hands, above which is a large celt. The figure has a high polish.
In the religion named for him, Shango is considered by believers as the most powerful god. He is manifested in fearsome thunder-storms, often resulting in stones appearing on the ground after a rain.
As with many powers associated with cults, the strength is manifested only to believers. The objects themselves possess no known mystical power, good or evil, for non- believers. Maker unidentified, Age uncertain. Acquired in 1989 from the Golden Gate Florida gallery of Bruce Green.
22 1/2"h x 7"w celt #AGD087

This is one of many that are in the collection of this owner. During the ownership, much of the documentation as to carver and previous owners has been lost or misplaced. They are offered with whatever provenance the owner can certify from disorganized records.