Photographs © Tim Hamill
YORUBA OSANYIN STAFF 4
7" wide x 27" high
$1000
This staff has been vetted as authentic, with evidence of significant age and use. The different tools depicted below the bird are symbols of power.
These iron staffs, surmounted by birds and dedicated to Osanyin, deity of herbal medicine, promoted healing and discouraged witchcraft. The birds honor the powers of elderly women, who could transform themselves into birds, to gain their support in the healing. The staffs were placed in the ground next to the ailing person.
GO TO YORUBA OSANYIN ARCHIVES PAGE
GO TO METALWORKS EXHIBITION PAGE
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