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    Artist Name:

    Yoruba Artist, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    Title:

    Blacksmith's Staff (opá Ogun)

    Date:

    19th century

    Medium:

    Brass

    Dimensions:

    20 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches

    Credit Line:

    Fred and Rita Richman Collection

    Accession Number:

    1980.500.74
    Designed for ceremonial use, this staff (òpá Ògún) distinguishes an individual as a senior blacksmith and possibly a renowned hunter and warrior who has been honored by the king with a chieftaincy title. The bird motifs and projections on the figure’s headgear signify an ability to wield enormous physical and metaphysical powers due to close association with Ògún, the Yoruba god of iron.



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