Yoruba Brass Oba's Celt, 18th Century CE - 19th Century CE
Brass
13.25
PF.4887
Further images
Objects in brass and bronze are usually reserved for use by kings and high ranking persons. Yoruba kings (Obas) uses scepters, staffs and celts as part of ritual ceremonies; to...
Objects in brass and bronze are usually reserved for use by kings and high ranking persons. Yoruba kings (Obas) uses scepters, staffs and celts as part of ritual ceremonies; to bless their followers and also to demonstrate their authority by displaying impressive objects. As part of the power imagery on this beautiful celt there is a face on the lower portion, probably a depiction of the deities Ifa or Esu. A snake, symbol of fertility, curls up the blade; and the blade itself alludes to the nature of thunder---quick, sharp and direct; qualities a king should possess. As with most Yoruba art, the artist or sculptor/blacksmith did not intend this celt to be a work of art in the western sense. It was made for a specific purpose with every detail carefully created to produce a desired effect, and to create in the viewer a sense of awe. This accounts for its richness and depth, possessing its own power and authority apart from its function-- thus making it a true work of art.