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Yoruba Iron Sacred Opa Orisa Oko Staff Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Nigeria
A Fine Oyo Yoruba Opa Orisa Oko Sacred Iron Staff on Custom Stand Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Nigeria
Collected from the: Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa Material: Iron, wood, beads, custom metal museum mount Period: 19th century, conservatively Dimensions: 59" height or 60.5" on stand, 2.75" width, 8" square base Condition: Exceptional, NO damage, intact and structurally sound. From a private Houston collection, exhibits exquisite signs of age and wear from extensive use and handling - make special note of the burnished skin oil patina on the shaft along with the deity's cross "face" at center - a superb, museum quality specimen !
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Yoruba Opa Orisa Oko Staffs An opa orisa Oko is referred to as the "staff" or "walking stick" of the deity of the farm. It is enclosed within a beaded sheath and crown when it is not displayed on ritual occasions. The staff is forged from hoes which devotees bring to the blacksmiths of Irawo, who alone have the secret knowledge necessary for making these sacred emblems. Although orisa Oko was never a king, he is honored by his followers with a beaded garment and crown. The "face" of orisa Oko is indicated by the cross-pattern, with eyes and facial marks near the center of the staff. Women are designated from childhood by Ifa divination to be a priestess and wife (iyawo) of orisa Oko." per Yoruba: Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought.
Yoruba Tribal History The origins of the Yoruba peoples can be traced back to the end of the first millennium, along with the Ife civilization. The Yoruba city of Owo, one of the largest on the Guinea coast, was established in the ninth century, and flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries primarily because of its location along the well established trade route connecting the cities of Ife and Benin. These early trade routes significantly contributed in bringing the Benin and Ife art to the early Yoruba peoples, and Yoruba art, especially the metal work, was notably influenced by trade with both the Portuguese and the Benin and Ife Kingdoms during the 16th century. One of the most remarkable periods in Yoruba history was that of the Oyo Empire. From about 1680 to 1830 the capital city of Oyo-Ile (Old Oyo) and the Alafin (king) were a powerful presence shaping the course of events for almost all of the Yoruba subgroups. The various Yoruba tribes spread across Nigeria today are composed of several cults, including the Epa, Gelede, Ogboni, and Esu.
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Special Note: To ensure the preservation of this important work, this piece will be professionally packed and shipped fully insured via the dimensional weight (oversized) rate - allowing almost any additional small piece(s) to be included in the carton at no extra cost. We invite you to take full advantage to ship any additional smaller purchases for FREE !
Please allow up to 3 business days for professional packaging. Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking and insurance. Dimensions on this item require that International shipping be calculated for your exact location - please email us with your Postal Code for an exact quote. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment.
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Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
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