Among the Yoruba, in southwestern Nigeria, there is the Ogboni secret society, which exerts an influence over the social and religious life of men: in the dispensation of justice, the healing of diseases, as soothsayers, etc. When a new member (man or woman) joins the Ogboni society, they receive a pair of ‘Edan staffs’. Each pair consists of a man and a woman linked at the top of the head by means of a chain. The staffs are worn around the neck and serve as a form of identification during the meetings of the society.

‘Edan staffs’ consist of an iron rod projecting from the lower part of the figures. Core figures of clay are attached to the iron staffs and later covered with finely executed versions made of yellow cast-alloy (brass) executed with ‘waste mould’ casting.
The present ‘Edan staff’ in traditional style features a man in a sitting position, holding a ceremonial sword in his right hand. His left hand rests on an object hanging from a necklace on his chest. Stylistically a finely crafted, large piece with small, old casting defects.
First third of the 20th century; H: 35 cm (in total), 25 cm (figure). (ME)

Lit.: ‘Der Ogboni-Geheimbund’ by Th. Dobbelmann, fig. 1, 21, 28, 30, 33, 34, 36; ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 463, 466, 467.