Shango Sculture

Shango Sculture, Yoruba, Nigeria.
Wood, Weathered patina. Shango is hand carrying the axe.
Height: 26"

Shango was danced during annual ceremonies for the Shango cult. The Yoruba deity is hand holding the axe (as opposed to its being carried on the head), and holding a musical instrument on the other hand.

Due to slavery, the Yoruba religion, including the Shango cult, is highly reverenced and practiced in many regions of the world, like Haiti, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and South America. Devotees can also be found in North America.

Shango is supposedly in the upper echelon of this religion and believed very powerful by devotees.