Antique Yoruba Bronze Ogboni Deity Onile Couples Janus Face Base Nigeria, Africa

Description

This is a very rare antique African
Yoruba lost wax cast bronze statue of a secret Ogboni Deity with two male and female Onile Couples standing on a Janus face base which was collected from Nigeria, Africa
Ogboni Society of Elders is one of the most prominent Yoruba religious societies. The Ogboni are dedicated to and worship Onile a female deity who they believe to be the owner of the earth. The Ogboni Society use cast bronze figures of a male and female couple always with swollen slitted eyes which are said to represent that the figures are 'full of Onile's spirit' these figures are said to represent Onile in both male and female forms and are called Onile statues. Together the male and female forms create a third entity – a secret entity, whose name is only known to initiates.
This museum worthy piece measures 19 inches tall by 8 inches wide and weighs 10 pounds and 2 ounces. Great antique rustic tribally made and used condition with two of the bird heads broken off the top crown of the large deity and one loop partially broken off the backside of the Janus face platform. Overall rough condition with patina.
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