Sceptre "ipawo ase" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3038176

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Description

brass, square base adorned with small bells, triangular head with “ogboni” scarification marks and conical headgear, min. dam., small missing parts (bells), traces of corrosion, base;
such staffs, known as “ipawo ashe” or “scepters of vital force”, can be used by anyone with sufficient authority and vital force, i. e. district chiefs, priests, “oshugbo” elders and kings. These hand-held ceremonial staffs were used to greet those present and impose silence during gatherings.

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Publications

Dobbelmann, Th.A.H.M., Der Ogboni-Geheimbund, Berg en Dal 1976, ill. 85

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