Antique African Yoruba Tribe Hand Forged Iron Osanyin Bird Staff Nigeria, Africa

Description

This is an antique Yoruba tribal people hand forged iron sculptural Osanyin ceremonial staff which comes from Nigeria, Africa. This Osanyin iron staff is made of a cluster of four very old upright iron bells (which no longer ring due to rust and crust) a slightly rounded piece of metal and a iron bird. Osanyin iron staffs, were dedicated to Osanyin, deity of herbal medicine who was believed to promoted healing and discouraged witchcraft. The birds honor the powers of elderly women, who could transform themselves into birds, to gain their support in the healing. The staffs were placed in the ground next to the ailing person. This Yoruba staff measures 14 1/8 inches tall by 5 3/4 inches wide and weighs 1 pound 11 ounces. This is in authentic original antique condition showing much wear from age and being tribally used and has a very rusty patina. Please visit my ebay store Mountainamma's Marketplace to browse thousands of items from Africa and beyond.