For the Yoruba people, deities, gods, and evil spirits play an active role in everyday life. Someone who believes themselves plagued by a witch would consult a medicinal specialist who is a follower of the herbalism gods Osanyin and Erinle. This expert in occult matters possesses a staff, such as this very handsome example, used as a “weapon” or tool against the witches. The lovely paradox here is that the witch is symbolized by a bird, the “night birds” that come out after dark to work their mischief. This in a sense is fighting fire with fire, using the opponent’s symbol to turn their magic against them. Apart from its practical use, this staff is a beautiful abstract creation. Some of the birds reveal their identity, such as the delicate fan of the peacock, or the upturned tail of the duck. While others are the essence of pure abstraction, sublime and ingenious, as befits an object of power. The central bird epitomizes Ifa, the god who assists in communicating between the divine and human realms. Bells attached to the circular rim and on the staff herald the coming of someone with authority and magic, magically presented in a work of art.