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Shango Scepter
Shango Scepter
Shango Scepter
Museum of International Folk Art
DepartmentAfrica

Shango Scepter

NameDivination wand
CultureYoruba
Place madeNigeria, Africa
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: 20 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. (52 x 16.5 x 7 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Greg LaChapelle
Object numberA.2011.20.16
DescriptionHandled figure of a kneeling female figure with a large geometric double axe form at the top of her head. The large axe blades have triangles on each side and a diamond within diamond motif down the center. The figure kneels with one hand on each breast. She wears a short sleeved shirt and skirt, and has diamond scarification marks on each cheek and on her forehead. The short handle ends in a carved ring. There is a hint of red pigment in indentations, especially under the axe blades.
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