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Yoruba Osanyin Staff, c. 1900

About the Item

To cure mental and physical ailments, Yoruba priests and diviners invoke the aid of Osanyin, the god of herbal medicines. Used in divination rituals to cure the afflicted, this iron staff is crowned with a large bird encircled by a ring of smaller ones, a powerful symbol of Osanyin’s ability to control supernatural forces to heal and protect. The hand-forged staff depicts the larger bird with wings spread in flight, peering above the smaller birds that radiate out as emissaries of Osanyin’s healing powers. Expressive and dynamic, the delicate staff seems to take flight minimally mounted on a custom steel base.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24.75 in (62.87 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CAA0687B1stDibs: LU820012379133
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