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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Brass Fans : Yoruba Brass Fan of an Osun Priestess
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Yoruba Brass Fan of an Osun Priestess - PF.5027
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
17" (43.2cm) high
x 12.125" (30.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Brass
$9,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
At the time when the sacred waters of orisa Osun
are taken in brass bowls form the river to the
shrine, the priestess of the shrine carries her fan
as an insignia of office. As a mediator between
this world and the "other world", the priestess is
able to interpret messages from the river deity
Osun to suppliants in response to their
questions. She is also in touch with spirits of
nature, using these natural forces to help people
with a variety of problems.
The central area of this fan is composed of four
"palm leaves" fashioned in a checkerboard
pattern with inner circles, fringed by a striated
border. The abstract floral concept is also seen
in the five branch-like extensions each topped
with a triangle filled with five circles. Tendrils
shoot out from the lower two branches and up
the center. Two birds facing the same direction
seem as if they are about to fly away. Birds are
important symbols in Yoruba art, representing
witches who are believed to be able to change
themselves into birds in order to haunt the night.
More benevolently, birds are also seen as the
"female spirit" with whom people of power, such
as kings and priestesses, should be on good
terms.
- (PF.5027)
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