Staff

MOA: University of British Columbia

3326/17

Nude female figure standing on a tall cylindrical base. The female holds her arms down at her side, has a protruding abdomen, and large pointed breasts. The figure is covered in white dots and orange pigment which has collected in the grooves. She has large bulging eyes, and three vertical marks on each cheek. On her head she wears some sort of headdress, which has deteriorated and is not complete. The cylindrical base is also deteriorated with notable insect damage.

  • History Of Use

    Shango staff; used in Ifa ceremony.

  • Narrative

    Assumed to have been collected by Lieber while he was living in Nigeria (1965-1970), lecturing at the University of Ibadan under the auspices of CIDA.


  • Type of Item staff
  • Culture Yoruba
  • Material wood, pigment
  • Measurements height 115.5 cm, width 13.5 cm, depth 12.0 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Jack Lieber, Iris Lieber
  • Received from Iris Lieber

  • Made in Nigeria

  • Collection Date between 1965 and 1970
  • Ownership Date before 2015, before June 18, 2018
  • Acquisition Date on June 18, 2018

  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 3326/0017