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Social Sharing
Ogo Elegba (Esu dance staff)
early 20th century
Esu (also called Esegba or Elegua throughout the African diaspora) embodies the most complex deity in the Yoruba pantheon of gods. The messentger of the gods, Eṣu, is also the bearer of sacrifices and the guardian of the ritual way of life. They are associated with highly significant places such as crossroads, markets, and home entrances. As seen here, Eṣu’s power is often visually represented in Ogo Elegba (dance staffs). Such staffs depict a warrior with an elongated cap that allows them to be hooked over the shoulder during ceremonies honoring the god.
- Culture
- Yoruba
- Title
- Ogo Elegba (Esu dance staff)
- Date
- early 20th century
- Place of Creation
- Nigeria
- Object Type
- Sculpture
- Medium
- Wood, leather, vegetable fiber, and cloth
- Dimensions
- 15 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 8 11/16 in., (40 x 8.5 x 22 cm,)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Professor Erle Loran
- Accession Number
- 1985.62