Zemanek-Münster

Herbalists staff "opa osanyin"

Nigeria, Yoruba
sold EUR 220
Provenance
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Size
H: 52 cm
H: 20.5 inch

Description

staff of wrought iron, crowned by a stylized bird, a circle of 14 smaller birds below, min. dam., traces of corrosion, wooden base;
the staff is planted in the ground at the entrance to an “osanyin” priests compound to ward off nocturnal attacks by witches. “Orunmila” is represented by the big bird on top of the staff.


Comparing literature

Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, p. 251 f.

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