Bronze cups such as this one are used by Osun
specialists for Ewawa divination rituals. Osun is
the goddess of fertility and protector of children.
She is said to have given birth to the deity Esu,
whose image is often depicted on divination
objects. When a divination is to be made, the
diviner places small brass images of humans,
animals, cowries and other objects into the cup,
shakes it and then turns the cup upside down
upon a drum. The arrangement is then analyzed
by the diviner in context with the client's
particular problem. The face on the side is
beautifully created and emits considerable
power. It is both human and mythical,
surrounded by a lovely pattern of spirals
alternating with bands of jagged lines which are
in fact snakes. The head is crowned by a bird
which is a symbol of the spiritual power of
women, and also a charm against witches. The
combination of artistry, cultural iconography,
magic and ritual are fused together in this
wonderful cup to create an object as powerful
and bold as the bronze from which it is made.
- (PF.4893)
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