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Covering for Òrìṣà Òkò Ritual Staff (Èwù Opa Òrìṣà Òkò)

Covering for Òrìṣà Òkò Ritual Staff (Èwù Opa Òrìṣà Òkò)

Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)

This long, narrow sheath was designed to cover a staff forged from iron farming tools and associated with Òkò, the Yorùbá òrìṣà, or deity, of agriculture. The beaded garment protects the staff when not in use and animates it during performances. The dynamic surface of shimmering beadwork features repeated triangles, color strips, projecting side tabs, and a white sword-like design that represents the staff. The face-like upper section completes the covering’s transformation into a visible sign of divine presence.
Artist/Maker
Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)
Title
Covering for Òrìṣà Òkò Ritual Staff (Èwù Opa Òrìṣà Òkò)
Date
probably 20th century
Material & Process
Beads, fabric, and leather
Dimensions
56 3/8 x 10 1/2 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Diane R. Wedner and Ron M. Ziskin
Inventory No.
1999.133.6
Classification
Beadwork
Location
Nigeria

Related

December 1999, gifted by Diane Wedner and Ron Ziskin (Toluca Lake, CA) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.
  • Drewal, Henry John. "African Art at the Elvehjem." Bulletin/Biennial Report 2001-2003. Elvehjem Museum of Art (2003): 16-36. pp. 16-36

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

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Information about artworks presented here may not reflect the most current research. Chazen staff update records as new details emerge; please verify independently for scholarly use and notify us of any errors.