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Staff

c. 1950s
Iron
Overall: 117 x 14 x 10 cm (46 1/16 x 5 1/2 x 3 15/16 in.)
Gift of Arthur Olson 2007.186
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

The bird on the top of the staff has been interpreted as a hawk by one Yoruba diviner. The hawk's power, speed, and tenacity are metaphors for the abilities of the diviner as he confronts the various forces operating in the Yoruba universe in order to guide his clients to lives of fulfillment.
Staff

Staff

c. 1950s

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

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