Staff of "orisa oko" in beaded sheath "ewu ileke" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3037460

Description

forged iron staff, mounted on a wooden hilt, wrapped with iron bands and set with iron burls, sheath from raffia bast and fabric, sewn with strings of polychrome glass beads, forming geometrical patterns and emblems of power (sword, wisdom knot), the face “eshus” on top, formed by beads, separate worked bag-like object with a small bird sculpture for insertion on top, leather edging, slightly dam., some beaded strings loosened, minor missing part (mouth “eshus”), hole (backside at the lower end), traces of corrosion (staff);
“orisa oko” is a deity that presides over many matters including judgements in cases of anti-social behaviour, infertility, disease and poverty. Proclaiming “orisa oko’s” royalty and prowess in bringing wealth, many devotees embellish their staffs with elaborately beaded garments including a crown (missing in present case) and heavy bundles of cowries. Like ruler’s feet, the foot of the staffs must never touch the ground directly, which is why they are placed in brass basins.

Comparing literature

Drewal, Henry John & John Mason, Beads, Body and Soul, Los Angeles 1998, ill. 66