One of the most celebrated of the Orisha, Chango (or Shango), is revered as the Sky Father; a spirit and god of thunder and lightning. As such, he is often viewed as the chief spirit and power within Santeria, and many other faiths with a Yoruba background. Having culture and ceremony that is perhaps the most intact from the middle passage, Chango is also viewed as a symbol of African resistance against an enslaving European culture. Before he was deified, he was actually the third king of Oyo, in Yorubaland, land and is celebrated for bringing prosperity to his lands, during his life. His worship is said to bring power and self control to his followers, as well the prosperity and protection that he can confer. /br>Here he is portrayed as a powerfully muscular African man, wearing the crown that marks him as King. Wearing the colors that are his symbol, he is dressed in deep red robes, cinched together with a white belt, and is armored in numerous cowrie shells. Viewed as a powerful protector, the mask of Elegua, the Orisha of trickery, is also left by his feet, along with five cowrie shells. A powerful representation of the Sky Father, this statue of Chango is perfect for your altar, or in decorated your home. It measures approximately 15" high, not including the axe that can be removed from his hand, and 7" wide, and is sculpted in cold-cast resin and natural cowrie shells.
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