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.