OSE SANGO
Ose Sango is a female figure with a double ax-head motif on the head; a feature symbolic of the thunderbolts which Sango is believed to throw from the sky. Standing on an elevated base, the item is characterized by expressive facial features, flapping breasts and two staffs of varying sizes clasped in her fists.
The sacredness of the Sango staff is such that they are specifically housed in the altars of shrines guarded by Sango worshippers. The staff is only removed from the shrine during annual ceremonies and then used as a paraphernalia by devotees. It is also symbolic of prowess, charisma and charm of Sango as an Orisa (deity) in the Yoruba cosmos. Sango is the Yoruba god of iron and famously revered for his anger and wrath. The Yoruba people to date, use Sango as a metaphor for wrath and anger. Before his posthumous adoration as a deity, he was the fourth Alaafin (royal title of Kings) at Oyo-Ile (the old Oyo Empire).
The item is made from Ayan tree (African Satinwood) because of its sacredness to Sango.”