Old Shango Figure

Description

Old Shango Figure Scepter – A Majestic Symbol of Nigerian Orisha Worship

This mid-20th-century Shango Figure Scepter is a captivating … more Old Shango Figure Scepter – A Majestic Symbol of Nigerian Orisha Worship

This mid-20th-century Shango Figure Scepter is a captivating piece of Nigerian heritage, meticulously carved in wood and imbued with deep spiritual significance. The figure, depicted kneeling and holding a ceremonial scepter, features delicate traces of blue pigment, suggesting its active role in sacred rituals.

Shango, a revered Orisha (deity) in the Yoruba religion, was once a mighty human king who ascended to divine status as the god of thunder, lightning, and fire. This intricately carved figure likely represents a female devotee, despite Shango being male, and is crowned with the iconic double axe – a powerful symbol of Shango’s dual nature as both creator and destroyer. The axe also represents the force of thunder and lightning, embodying Shango’s tremendous energy and command over natural forces.

This ceremonial scepter, used in dance rituals, evokes the dramatic and powerful presence of Shango, with dancers mimicking the striking of lightning to honor his strength and vitality. As a central figure in Yoruba and Afro-Caribbean religions like Santeria and Candomblé, Shango represents justice, virility, and spiritual power, making this piece not only a work of art but a profound symbol of cultural and religious devotion. less