Elegantly decorated, this beautiful staff was
an
important part of numerous ceremonies. The
two
figures on the top portion of the staff
represent
two Yoruba deities of high importance,
commanding great respect. These deities
would
act as protectors and defenders; therefore,
very
important not only to the owner of the staff
but
also to the entire village. The powers of the
gods
had tremendous influence on the people of
the
society, controlling their every move, like the
sun,
moon, and weather. Such power demanded
the
respect of the followers, which was readily
given.
The lower portion of the staff is hollowed,
displaying a series of four wooden balls.
These
would ultimately make a distinctive sound
with
every subtle movement. This sound
reverberating
throughout a ceremony would create a
tremendous reaction due to its importance.
The
staff in its entirety has been beautifully hand
crafted with great attention to detail,
particularly
to the male and female deities for whom the
ceremony was created. This staff is only one
portion of a very important ceremony. With
such
beauty in just one piece one can imagine
how
beautiful the rest of the ceremony
proceedings
might be.
- (PF.4695)
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