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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Staffs : Yoruba Brass Oba's Celt
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Yoruba Brass Oba's Celt - PF.4887
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 18
th
Century AD
to 19
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
13.25" (33.7cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Brass
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Objects in brass and bronze are usually reserved for use by kings and high ranking persons. Yoruba kings (Obas) uses scepters, staffs and celts as part of ritual ceremonies; to bless their followers and also to demonstrate their authority by displaying impressive objects. As part of the power imagery on this beautiful celt there is a face on the lower portion, probably a depiction of the deities Ifa or Esu. A snake, symbol of fertility, curls up the blade; and the blade itself alludes to the nature of thunder---quick, sharp and direct; qualities a king should possess. As with most Yoruba art, the artist or sculptor/blacksmith did not intend this celt to be a work of art in the western sense. It was made for a specific purpose with every detail carefully created to produce a desired effect, and to create in the viewer a sense of awe. This accounts for its richness and depth, possessing its own power and authority apart from its function-- thus making it a true work of art.
- (PF.4887)
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