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Pair of Ritual Staffs (ẹdan Ògbóni)

Pair of Ritual Staffs (ẹdan Ògbóni)

possibly 1800s

Copper alloy and iron

Overall: 22 cm (8 11/16 in.)

Gift of Drs. James, Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, and Jamie Strain 1996.403

Did you know?

Imagine how this would look when its owner wore it; the chain would go around the back of the neck and the figures would rest on their chest.

Description

The chain connecting these two figures allows them to be worn in public by a member of the Ògbóni or Òṣùgbó association as authority emblems. The male on the right gives the association’s typical salute by clasping his left fist on the right one, while the female on the left holds her breasts as a sign of welcome and generosity. The use of copper alloy and iron expresses Ògbóni/Òṣùgbó's concerns with longevity and durability.

See also

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