Fine Old African Pair of Yoruba Ogboni Edan Figures COA Start Price USD 1,500.00 Current Price USD 1,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, July 18, 2008 End Time Friday, July 25, 2008 Location New York See more about 'Fine Old African Pair of Yoruba Ogboni Edan Figures COA' Description Here are a fine vintage pair of Edan figural rods skillfully cast in brass (cultural bronze.)One of the most powerful Yoruba cults is the secret society of Ogboni, a group of esteemed elders considered within their culture to rank as Masters of the Earth. The primary objects associated with the Ogboni Society are paired cultural bronze figures called Edan, each cast over a pointed iron rod and connected at the heads by a short length of chain. The functions of Edan rods have long been clouded by myth, hypothesis and speculation; probably administrative, judicial, retributive, oracular, talismanic, medical and/or other still-secret uses.In this striking pair, each attenuated figure is seated over a square base and represented with slender limbs, a flat ovoid head surrounded by six nubbin emanations and surmounted by an attachment loop. Each has a segmented hairstyle, rudimentary ears, vertically-oriented staring lenticular eyes, a broad nose and keloid lines curving from the corners of the mouth towards the ears. Each figure wears a massive braided necklace embellished with two large drop-shaped pendants; one in front and one on the back. Each holds a small rimmed spherical bowl to the chest; he wears a wide belt with incised linear decoration and displays protuberant nipples, umbilicus and an exposed phallus. These dramatic figures are 11 inches (28 cm) high, mounted on a custom hardwood display base. Both statues possess a fine, dark patina and without repair or restoration, are in excellent condition. Discerning collectors realize that AUTHENTIC old Yoruba artifacts of this age and quality are already scarce and steadily increasing in fiscal value. This powerful artwork was acquired by the seller at the prestigious New York City Sotheby Parke-Bernet Galleries in 1980. Ogboni Cult Edan, Ilobu-Ioruba, SW Nigeria, West Africa, Early Decades of the 20th Century.Authenticity is unconditionally guaranteed in writing. The Certificate of Authenticity accompanying this artifact was prepared and signed by a longtime A.S.A. Senior Member, retired scholar and certified specialist in Ethnographic Art. Successful bidder pays $65 for secure impact-resistant packing, shipping, delivery confirmation tracking fee and full insurance coverage (within continental U.S.) NY residents add 8.63% sales tax. U.S. bidder please pay with check, money order or PayPal. International buyers add $90 for secure packing, full insurance and fast airmail shipping; please remit an international money order, cashier's check from bank with US branch, wire transfer (add $15) or use PayPal. U.S. buyers are assured of complete satisfaction with a 14 day money-back guarantee.Buyers with fewer than 5 and/or private "feedback" are welcome but must contact seller to verify ID before bidding. If there are questions, please inquire before bidding. After auction ends, winning bidder will promptly receive an invoice containing all information required to complete this transaction.Please visit my other items and be sure to add me to your favorites list!All rights reserved for all countries. No part of the contents of this page may be reproduced without prior written permission of the author. Copyright © Rod Rogers, 2008. Place a Bid!