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Africa Yoruba peoples (Oyo subgroup), Nigeria Staff for Esu/Elegba Cult, Ogo Elegba Before 1930s (?) Wood, leather, cowrie shells, brass, bone, iron H. 19 1/4 in. (50.7 cm) Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection Indiana University Art Museum, 87.24.2 During celebrations honoring Esu, the Yoruba trickster deity, this staff was hooked over the right shoulder of a male devotee as he danced. The figure's distinctive long-tailed hairdo associates it with Esu, and the figure blows a whistle similar to ones used to summon him during festivals. The addition of white cowrie shells against dark wood is also a visual reminder of this deity, who is associated with contradictions and contrasts. |