Ritual staff "edan ogboni" or "edan oshugbo"

Description

copper alloy (bronze, brass),

“Ogboni” is a secret society of the Yoruba, which is called “oshugbo” in the Ijebu area.

“Edan” embodies the authority of the “ogboni” society, according to whose principles the social order within the community is regulated.

“Edan” staffs are used by cult members as a symbol of membership and were worn hanging around the neck. The staffs are also said to be a physical embodiment of the god “Edan” himself.

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.