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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Herbalist's Staff
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Herbalist's Staff

Datemid 20th century
Mediumiron
DimensionsOverall: 49 3/4 x 9 x 2 3/4 in. (126.4 x 22.9 x 7 cm)
ClassificationsWeapons and Armor
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
    Object number91.0012
    DescriptionThis object reflects the ritual importance of iron in connection with transformation to, or communication with, the spiritual realm. Iron is made and worked by blacksmiths, some of whom, especially those in West Africa, are also ritual specialists. By means of fire they transform a material of the earth into tools and weapons associated with the letting of blood in hunting, warfare, and circumcision. Their knowledge is considered secret and mysterious, and their products are essential to many activities of life, from farming to rites of passage. As is typical of iron altar devices, this example is made in the form of a staff so that they may be thrust into earthen altars. The Yoruba Herbalist's Staff is topped by a bird, the spirit mediator who aids in healing.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dogon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Hausa people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Benin Kingdom
    ca. 17th to 18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ewe people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1830
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chancay
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1755
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Deborah Butterfield
    1991
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    early 18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Edouard Félicien Alexis Pépin
    not dated