Shango Dance Wand

Artist

Yoruba (Nigerian)

Date

mid 20th century

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

Work : 11 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 2 3/4 in. (29.21 x 6.67 x 6.99 cm)

Credit Line

Hope College Collection

Object Number

2018.9

Label

Shango is the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. He is revered in Yoruba culture as one of the most powerful protector deities. This wand would have been carried by a devotee of Shango in ceremonies and rituals associated with the god. When not in use, it would have been stored in a shrine or on an altar dedicated to Shango.