A fine, relatively small, sitting shrine figure from a shrine for the Yoruba god Shango, the god of thunder and lightning as well as a symbol of the legendary 4th king (‘Oba’) of the Yoruba people. It was carved, together with the stool and base plate, from one single piece of wood. The very well-shaped head displays a round projection in the upper section, a hairstyle of lines in relief in two combs, with two plaits on the back and braided style on the left side of the head. Typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead and both cheeks. The eyes are inlaid with black material (probably tree resin), the pupils are made of two old decorative nails crafted locally. The figure holds in its right hand a so-called ‘Shango club’ (‘Oshe Shango’), a ritual dance sceptre in the form of a double axe with 6 grooved ‘eyes’, in the left hand a calabash with sacrificial offering (palm wine). Around the neck a chain with red, white and yellow-red glass pearls. Stylistic type: Oyo. With an old, light 'washed patina' and some age damage (some pieces broken off, tears, probably as a result of old insect damage). First third of the 20th century; H: 31 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian private collection.