Blacksmith's Staff (Opa Ogun)
Yoruba Artist, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Details
Title
Blacksmith's Staff (Opa Ogun)
Artist/Maker
Yoruba Artist, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Date
Nineteenth century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
20 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
1980.500.74
On View
Currently not on view
Designed for ceremonial use, this staff (òpá Ògún) distinguishes an individual as a senior blacksmith and possibly a renowned hunter and warrior who has been honored by the king with a chieftaincy title. The bird motifs and projections on the figure’s headgear signify an ability to wield enormous physical and metaphysical powers due to close association with Ògún, the Yoruba god of iron.
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