Description:

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 head 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 and quite rare to find! Size: 6.75" W x 20.5" H (17.1 cm x 52.1 cm).

Provenance: Estate of Paul & Louise Bernheimer

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#111805

  • Condition: Repair to one bird, missing two others; but most artwork is intact. There is slight patina/rust coating.

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May 12, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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