Ogboni staff couple – Bronze – Yoruba – Nigeria

The Ogboni society is pervasive among Yoruba-speaking people, but probably originates from the Ijebu. At its head are the wisest man and woman from the community whose role is to adjudicate. Ogboni brass figures, called Edan, are cast in pairs and attached to spikes and a chain runs from head to head to join the pair. They are worn over the shoulders of Ogboni members as sign of office or as an amulet.

Unique tribal art item with a great patina of age.
A similar item can be found in the MET Museum in New York, USA:

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Including professional custom made stand.