Carved wooden staff in form of human head

Made:
1860-1900 in Nigeria
maker:
Yoruba people

Carved wooden staff tapering column surmounted by a human head probably representing Shapona (Shopono), amuletic concerned with smallpox, Yoruba people, Nigeria, 1860-1900

Sapona (Shapona) is the eldest son of the Yoruba creator god Olodumare. He was given control of the earth with the power to reward or punish its inhabitants. Smallpox was seen as a punishment - an indication of divine displeasure whereby the grains of the earth eaten by man emerge on the skin.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A657207
Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall: 430 mm x 85 mm x 91 mm, .56 kg
type:
staffs
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust