Antiques
Shango, African Mask
- Item Number
- 102
- Estimated Value
- 595 USD
- Opening Bid
- 225 USD
Item Description
Name: Shango
People: Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin
Area: Africa
Gender: Male
Type: Deity
Dominion: Storms
Alternative Names: Chango, Xango
This is Shango, an African mask that was used in tribal celebrations and rituals witnessed by Orisade Awodola. She also participated in some of the rituals. Orisade brought back many masks, drums and necklaces in the mid-1900’s and this mask was part of collection.
Orisade writes: “Shango leads a full red-blooded life and enjoys a good party. He is in great demand as a drummer and his dancing talents cause severe outbreaks of celebration wherever perpetrated. His special Feast Day is the 4th of December and during this time he has a piper employed to play his favorite songs. His special number is six, and his favorite colors are red and white. He likes animals, particularly dogs. He also favors roosters and turtles, although we think these are more for eating than companionship. If you invite him to a feast you will need to stock up on bananas, apples, cornmeal, okra, red wine and rum.”
“Very much the ladies man, Shango does have a special relationship with Oya, which can at times get extremely tempestuous. He does not get along well with his brother Ogun and is not averse to a good dust-up. But on the whole he's a great God to have on your side as he is loyal, protective and, as far as I’m concerned, extremely hip.”
Item Special Note
Donated by AVA Group Limited, Inc.
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