Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Mumuye peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A forged-iron rain-making wand comprised of several serpentine rods accentuated with twisted grooves until just before the flattened, diamond-shaped heads. The lower ends of each rod are secured within a conical handle which could be placed in the end of a longer wooden pole if desired. Mumuye shamans utilize rain-making wands because they believe their slithering forms to mimic flashes of lightning or the serpentine movements of snakes. Shamans dig small holes and place the ends of the wands in the hole where they symbolically petition the gods for rain by channeling the life-force of the earth. Size: 4.5" W x 14" H (11.4 cm x 35.6 cm); 15" H (38.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Mark Clayton collection, Long Beach, California, USA; Mr. Clayton is a noted African expert and collector who recently had Nigerian bronze objects from his collection featured in an exhibition at the UCLA Fowler Museum entitled "Summoning the Ancestors" (September 2018 - March 2019).

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#145768

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form of handle and some rods, with minor abrasions, and fine oxidation across most surfaces, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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April 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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