2-728-221 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Eshu Dance Staff, 1800s. Eshu (also called Esu or Elegba) embodies the most complex deity in the Yoruba pantheon of gods. The messenger of the Yoruba gods, Eshu is also the bearer of sacrifices, guardian of the ritual way of life, and is associated with highly significant places including crossroads, markets, and home entrances. As seen here, Eshu’s power is often visually represented in ogo elegba (a male and female pair), referencing his ability to switch between the two genders, turn death into life (through childbirth), and to overcome the tension between the sexes. The male character bears a ritual flute reserved for this god. The abundance of cowrie shells means that Eshu brings wealth.