Yoruba Chango Wand in the Form of a Maternity Figure

Mother and child, topped with a double-bladed crown.

Yoruba carvers of Nigeria, West Africa, made this Chango wand in the form of a maternity figure in wood in the 20th century. Double-axe wands are associated with Chango, the Yoruba deity of thunder, and are commonly carried by his devotees in dance. A kneeling mother with a child on her lap supports a broad, flared double axe head. Her face is calm, with carefully drawn eyes and scarification marks. A plain wooden handle extends below. The wood is dark and glossy, polished by handling.

About thirteen and a half inches tall. Thunder, held gently.