Tribal Art

These sticks with a figurative pattern forming the Edan, carved in bronze, were worn as a pendant around the neck by members of the Ogboni society. Khaki brown patina, traces of oxidation. Height on base: 25 cm.
The Ogboni or Oshugbo secret society is one of the most famous Yoruba religious worship societies. Some have suggested that the feminine and masculine representations could allude to the sky as a male entity and to the earth symbolizing femininity, or to the founding couple of human society. Although some Ogboni works are made of wood, terracotta, or ivory, the majority are made of iron-reinforced brass, which has a connection with Osun, the goddess of the river and fertility. Iron is also sacred to Osun, god of tools and weapons. The Ogboni expression, "Ogbodirin" means "Grow old and still be as strong as iron". Likewise the motto of the Ogboni society is "Longevity and Prosperity".