Òsányìn Staff (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Yoruba
iron
Nigeria, Republic of Benin
Overall (without mount): 26 3/8 × 9 3/4 × 7 1/2 in. (66.99 × 24.77 × 19.05 cm)
96.12
Òsányìn is the Yoruba òrìsà (god) of herbal medicines. This staff is an emblem of diviners and doctor-priests who cure afflictions through rituals and remedies involving herbs. The birds on this staff reference Òsányìn’s ability to travel between heaven and earth using the powers of the celestial realm for the benefit of mortals.
not marked
Gift of Dr. Hilbert H. DeLawter, in memory of his wife, Lori
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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