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Maker(s):Unknown
Culture:Nigerian; Yoruba people
Title:Osanyin Staff
Date Made:1900-1950
Type:Ceremonial
Materials:metal
Place Made:Africa; Nigeria
Measurements:Overall: 59 1/2 in x 5 11/16 in; 151.1 cm x 14.4 cm
Accession Number:  AC 1999.189
Credit Line:The Barry D. Maurer (Class of 1959) Collection of African art purchased with Amherst College Discretionary Fund and funds from H. Axel Schupf (Class of 1957)
Museum Collection:  Mead Art Museum at Amherst College
1999-189.jpg

Label Text:
The bird that crowns the top of this staff symbolizes the ashe, or life force, with which Ifa accomplishes miraculous deeds, such as healing physical ailments, aiding prosperity, and countering effects of witchcraft. The three registers of small metal chimes surrounding the rod create a cacophonous sound when the most senior Ifa priest hits the ground gently with it and leads his fellow priests to their meeting house.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+1999.189

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