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Òsògbó (Ògbóni) Elders' Society Insignia (edan Òsògbó)

Òsògbó (Ògbóni) Elders' Society Insignia (edan Òsògbó)

Unknown

Òsògbó is a judicial society of respected elders who counterbalance the Yorùbá rulers’ authority. Members wear edan around their necks as symbols of authority and civilized society’s need for balanced opposition, expressed by the fusion of brass (female) and iron (male). The large heads and prominent eyes symbolized the knowledge (ìmò ), wisdom (ogbón), and insight (ojú inú) required to ensure social peace and justice.
Artist
Unknown (Nigerian, Yorùbá People)
Title
Òsògbó (Ògbóni) Elders' Society Insignia (edan Òsògbó)
Date
19th century
Medium
Brass and iron
Dimensions
with base: 10 15/16 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. overall
Credit
Bequest of Alexander and Henrietta W. Hollaender
Accession No.
1992.205
Classification
Sculpture
Geography
Nigeria

Related

1987, deposited on long-term loan to Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art] by Alexander and Henrietta W. Hollaender (Oak Ridge, TN and Washington, DC); 1992, bequeathed to Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.

  • Revealing Forms: African Art from the Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/20/2002–6/16/2002

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