AFRICAN AXES

YORUBA Shango Staffs

MUMUYE Staff 1

YORUBA Shango Staff 31

FON Staffs

All of the axe forms above have been vetted as authentic, with evidence of age and use.

Despite their appearance the ax forms below were probably made to be sold.

AFO Staff 1 SOLD

YORUBA Style Shango Staffs 2

ZOROMO Style Ax 1

Photographs ©Hamill Gallery

African axes exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship. Some are functional tools, others ceremonial or prestige objects.

Yoruba Shango staffs are dance wands carried by followers of Shango, the Yoruba god of thunder. The wands depict a female devotee with Shango's symbol, the double-headed axe.