Ritual staff "edan ogboni", 19th century · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3048017
sold
EUR 2,100
Provenance
Sotheby’s Paris, 25 June 2020, Lot 52Serge Schoffel, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 36 cm
H: 14.2 inch
Description
bronze, base
“Edan” embodies the authority of the “ogboni” society, according to whose principles the social order within the community is regulated.
The “edan” staffs are used by cult members as a symbol of membership but they are also believed to be the god “Edan” in physical form.
The novices receive these staffs at their initiation into the “ogboni” society from the hand of the high priest “apena”. They remain in their possession until death and are kept in a hidden place in the house.
Comparing literature
Publications
Schoffel, Serge, "Orisha Yoruba", Brussels, 2019, p. 50-51AHDRC: 0159266
Exhibition
Brussels, Belgium, BRAFA - Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair, 26 January - 3 February 2019