Description
This dance staff has been carved in the form of a kneeling priestess holding a sacrificial chicken and ram. She wears a crown in the shape of Shango’s distinctive double axe, which symbolizes his dual character: violent and compassionate. These blades also evoke the Neolithic stone tools that are said to be hurled to earth by Shango during thunderstorms. Only senior priestesses or priests devoted to Shango can dance with such a staff in ritual performances and other events.
Provenance
Jeffrey Hammer and Deborah Stokes, Chicago, Ill., by 1985; sold to Richard J. Faletti (died 2006) and Barbara Faletti (died 2000), Chicago, Ill. and Phoenix, Ariz., 1985; given to the Art Institute, 2003.
Accession Number
181743
Medium
Wood and pigment
Dimensions
38.8 × 20.4 × 10.2 cm (15 1/4 × 8 × 4 in.)
Classification
sculpture
Credit Line
The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Richard Faletti, the Faletti Family Collection
