Title staff "iwana ogun" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3037197

Description

iron, brass, iron hook, surmounted by an equestrian figure with spear, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion;
such staffs are made in the name of “ogun”, the god of blacksmiths and warriors, who is in charge of all products made by them - including artist tools and weapons. They are prerogatives of the head of blacksmiths and also emblems of the war chiefs. “Ogun’s” nature is often characterized by singing and devotees of the iron god may sacrifice dogs to their deity.

The object Title staff “iwana ogun” with the object ID 3037197 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 392.

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Comparing literature

Thompson, Robert Farris, Black Gods and Kings, Los Angeles 1971, ill. 5