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Edan Staffs for Ogboni Society, Yoruba People People, Nigeria, 20th century
About the Item
Pair of Bronze & Iron Ogboni Society staffs from the Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th century.
Among the Yoruba, in southwestern Nigeria, there was and still is the Ogboni secret society, which exerts an influence over the social and religious life of men: in the dispensation of justice, the healing of diseases, as soothsayers, etc. When a new member (man or woman) joins the Ogboni secret society, they receive a pair of these so-called ‘Edan staffs’, which serve as a form of identification during the meetings of the society.
These 4 figures, on two rods, known as Edan staffs have been cast in bronze over iron rods. They are linked by a chain attached to loops to the top of the heads. Each rod shows both sexes in a seated position.
The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University.
Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson.
Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa, the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981
Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College - Williams Art Center for an exhibition titled "Plainly Geometric - Selections of Art from West Africa".
In 2018 Mrs Swanson passed away.
- Creator:Yoruba People (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Width: 2.17 in (5.5 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Very nice patina.
- Seller Location:Aramits, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6432238830822
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2022
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
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