Showcasing the art and ritual of the African and African-diaspora religions

Sacred Accessories for the Goddess Iansã

Catalog Number: C022

Dimensions:

Crown: 24.5 cm tall / 27.5 cm in diameter 
Fan: 38 cm long / 32 cm wide 
Armlets/Wristlets: 54 cm long / 8.5 cm in diameter 
Horns: 34.5 cm long / 8 cm wide / 61 cm long with chains

 

(centimeters)

Religion and Denomination: Candomblé (Brazil)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Materials: Horn
Usage: N/A
Detailed Description of Significance:

Iansã is a Candomblé orixá and one of the three cowives of Xangô.  She prefers copper, and for that reason, most items made in tribute to her are of that metal. The powder horns represent the horns of the West African wild buffalo, which is the animal of Iansã.  The animal is so ferocious that it is able to kill lions.  The sword is also significant because, although Iansã is seen as a woman and wife, she is also known by her followers as a warrior .