**Originally Listed At $300**

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A ceremonial staff carved from wood with an axe blade-like upper portion and the body of a woman integrated into the staff below the axe head. The woman holds two similar implements to this one in her hands. A staff like this is called an Ose Shango staff, carried and danced with by members of the Shango cult. Shango is the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning; the woman carved on the staff is meant to represent a worshipper of Shango. Size: 5.4" W x 19.3" H (13.7 cm x 49 cm)

Provenance: the late Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970

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#113780

Lucite block in photographs is for display purposes only. Surface has wear commensurate with age, including light chips and nicks. The back of the blade and lower back of the figure have inactive insect damage.