260 - Pair of Edàn Ogbóni Ritual Scepers

Pair of Edàn Ogbóni Ritual Scepers Yoruba Culture, Nigeria First half or mid-20th century A pair of male and female figures associated with the Ogboni society, wearing tall, traditional conical headdresses. The male figure holds a ceremonial sword, a symbol of judicial power and sovereign justice. The female figure holds a ritual spoon, associated with healing and herbal medicine. She also has her hands raised to her breasts, a traditional Yoruba gesture associated with fertility and protection. Iron and brass alloy. Natural oxidation patina. The original connecting chain is missing; the two attachment rings are preserved at the top of the headdresses. Displayed on modern transparent Plexiglas bases. One of the two sculptures is unstable. Dimensions: 27 cm (sculptures only) / 37 cm (total height with bases) Research and documentation: Coryse Mwape – Art historian specializing in ancient African art. (Internal Ref.: RDAF64) https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/archived_objects/yoruba-ogboni-edan-staffs/