Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba Tribe, 19th century CE or earlier. Rare Opa Osanyin herbalist's staff. Made of hand-forged iron with staff in a long spear shaped support to which a ring of applied birds have been added, large bird would have once been at top with figure below with offering vessel in its hands. The Yoruba believe that a large bird surrounded by smaller birds symbolizes the power of good over evil and the ability to control spirits and supernatural forces. As such opa osanyin physically represents this power: one large bird is typically surrounded by 16 smaller birds at the summit of the staff. The smaller birds represent witches; these witches can transform themselves into birds to support the healing process for Erinle. A wonderful example! Size: 19.5" H (49.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#119864

  • Condition: Missing central bird at top else excellent

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000