Photographs © Tim Hamill
YORUBA, OSANYIN STAFF 28, Nigeria, 7"w, 18" ht.,$300, SOLD
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.
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