Dance staff, "ogo elegba" Yoruba, Nigeria With base / with base - iron stand painted in black. Wood. H 55 cm. Provenance: Swiss private collection, Zurich, till 2019 Dutch private collection, purchased from above Janus-headed cult staff from the Eshu cult. Eshu is one of the many figures in Yoruba cosmology, whose complexity can be compared to the world of the Greek gods. He is a multifaceted character who mediates as a messenger of the gods between the worlds (heaven and earth, this world and the next). For this reason, he is the central, omnipresent figure in the Ifa oracle consultation. Wherever two people, objects or matters touch, he too - the ambivalent jester who seems to enjoy opposites and disorder - can be found in the border area. Because he is a troublemaker who is able to thwart positive forces and thus demonstrate to people their inaccessibility to divine power, he is worshipped in numerous altars. Further reading: Homberger, Lorenz (1991). Yoruba - Art and Aesthetics in Nigeria. Zurich: Museum Rietberg. Condition: Good condition. Hair bow joined together after break. The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by UPS. Shipped with Insurance! Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. It will be professionally packed and safely send. Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own country.