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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Staffs : Yoruba Iron Herbalist's Staff
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Yoruba Iron Herbalist's Staff - PF.4839
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
56.25" (142.9cm) high
x 8.75" (22.2cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Iron
$4,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
For the Yoruba people, deities, gods, and evil
spirits play an active role in everyday life.
Someone who believes themselves plagued by a
witch would consult a medicinal specialist who is
a follower of the herbalism gods Osanyin and
Erinle. This expert in occult matters possesses a
staff, such as this very handsome example, used
as a “weapon” or tool against the witches. The
lovely paradox here is that the witch is
symbolized by a bird, the “night birds” that
come out after dark to work their mischief. This
in a sense is fighting fire with fire, using the
opponent’s symbol to turn their magic against
them. Apart from its practical use, this staff is a
beautiful abstract creation. Some of the birds
reveal their identity, such as the delicate fan of
the peacock, or the upturned tail of the duck.
While others are the essence of pure abstraction,
sublime and ingenious, as befits an object of
power. The central bird epitomizes Ifa, the god
who assists in communicating between the
divine and human realms. Bells attached to the
circular rim and on the staff herald the coming of
someone with authority and magic, magically
presented in a work of art.
- (PF.4839)
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