Title staff "iwana ogun" · Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3036216
Adrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium
Lempertz, Brussels, 25. April 2009, lot 68
Description
iron, brass, iron poker with brass decor, crowned by a seated male figure with grotesque facial features, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
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 gpd may sacrifice dogs to their deity.
Littérature comparée
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 305