H x W x D: 24 x 6.6 x 5 cm (9 7/16 x 2 5/8 x 1 15/16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Ijebu region, Nigeria
Date:
Early 20th century
Label Text:
Originally, this was one of a pair of linked figural staffs made of copper alloy over an iron rod core. The pair was worn draped around the neck of Oshugbo society members, elders in the community, as insignia of office and as protective amulets.
The projecting conical headdress and the bulging eyes and forehead evoke a head ritually prepared and filled with spiritual presence. There are also references to birds as symbols of women with dangerous and transforming spiritual powers.
Description:
Cast copper alloy female figure on an iron rod, half of a linked pair of staffs, holding a horizontal small figure that probably represents a staff figure. There is a small bird below the feet.
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
African Vision: The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., February 15, 2007-March 31, 2009
For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1981
Published References:
Kreamer, Christine Mullen, Bryna Freyer and Andrea Nicolls. 2007. African Vision: The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 212-213, no. 75.
Vogel, Susan (ed). 1981. For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, pp. 90-91, no. 45.
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