Pair of Bronze Ogboni Society Edan Staves
Pair of Bronze Ogboni Society Edan Staves
Yorubaland - Lagos Colony and Protectorate of Britain (Nigeria)
19th century (ca. 1850)
Bronze
Male Height: 29,8cm
Male Width: 5,1cm
Female Height: 22,9cm
Female Width: 5,1cm
Collection Date: 2023
Ex. Uk Collection: Harrogate, UK (2023)
Ex. Late Rolf Italiaander Collection: Museum Rade, Hamburg, Germany (1989)
Two bronze figures of a male and female conected by a chain passing through loops atop of the heads of the figures. Characteristic of Yoruba features: almond-shaped eyes, flared nostrils, and fine, protruding lips. Both figures have tall conical headresses. The faces are intended to convey wisdom and authority. Each figure terminates in a thin cast iron pin. The female pin is now missing from breakage.
These examples seem to have some significant age to them due to the form of body and levels of oxidation for bronze and are likely older examples of the 19th century. Body form styles have changed over the generations by craftsmen, especially 19th and 20th century configurations.
The union of male and female figures by a chain represents the duality of Onile whose prime function is to harmonise all spirits and forces of nature. They would have been originally mounted on the staffs of the Ogboni Society or with either end of a chain draped over each shoulder from behind the neck of an Ogboni initiate, serving as symbols of rank at society meetings and ceremonies. These consist of the community elders whose age and wisdom have gained decision-making powers for pronouncing judgment with conflict among the people. Ogboni venerates Onile to ensure human survival, peace, happiness, and social stability within the community. Ogboni societies still exist today, but not to the same extent.
This item was one of a large number of quality pieces from Africa and Oceana purchased in 1989 from the late Rolf Italiaander (explorer, ethnographer, collector, writer). Italiaander is believed to have purchased this item from a British missionary upon his return to Europe.