"Oshun" priestess fan

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Description

brass,

These brass fans with engraved symbols and signs were created in honor of the river goddess “oshun”, responsible for fertility and child blessing. Priestesses of the cult carried them along the banks of the “Oshun” river in ceremonial processions during annual festivals.

The metaphor of the fan is that “oshun” is able to calm her worshippers (cool their minds) and dispel their fears, in the same way that a fan cools the body.

The frightening thing about “oshun”, however, is that she is able to use her fans not only in a positive sense, but also as throwing knives that she flings at those who arouse her anger.

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Comparing literature

Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, ill. 257

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Publications

Verger, Pierre, "Dieux d'Afrique. Cultes des Orishas et Vodouns à l'ancienne Côte des Esclaves en Afrique et à Bahia, la Baie de tous les Saints au Brésil", Paris: Paul Hartmann, 1954: fig.110

AHDRC: 0169582

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