ogboni figure, unrecorded Yoruba artist

Artwork Overview

ogboni figure, late 1800s–1975
Where object was made: Nigeria
Material/technique: brass
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 57 x 14 x 12 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 22 7/16 x 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 in
Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. Kenneth Palmer
Accession number: 2007.3038
Not on display

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Images

Label texts

Archive label for Palmer collection exhibit, date unknown:
The Ogboni Society exercised a great deal of control over Yoruba political life. During the initiation ceremonies, brass rods (edan) were suspended in pairs from a chain as badges for the participants. The metal loops at the top of these figures suggest that they could have functioned in this manner.