Photographs © Tim Hamill
YORUBA, HEAD PENDANT 9, 8", $200, Nigeria
In addition to a large and varied collection of iron currencies, gongs, bells and Osanyin healing staffs, the Yoruba also have cast figures and staffs, most from the Ogboni Society of elders. Dedicated to Onile, "the owner of the earth", they are referred to as Onile figures and in other forms as Edan staffs. Although called "bronzes" they are usually various copper alloys, made by the lost wax process.
Head Pendant 9 could have been worn on the chest or hip, or independently. It was probably created for the art market.
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