Osanyin staff
Osanyin, the spirit of herbal medicines,[1] or Opa Erinle, in their work against mental and physical illness caused by malevolent forces and individuals. The Yoruba believe the power of Osanyin is vested in a wrought iron staff, called an Osanyin staff, that is placed on altars to this Orisha
.
The staff is composed of a circle of small birds and a shaft in the middle that elevates a large bird above smaller ones.
Olodumare," allowing him a vantage point from which he can protect all of humanity below.[2]
The birds, emissaries of Ogun, refer to the herbalist's understanding of and power over these malevolent people. There are typically sixteen birds, invoking the most sacred number of divination, surrounding and confronting the central bird, which represents the smallpox god. [3]
The birds on Osanyin staffs suggest an iconographic link with the birds on Obas' crowns.[4]
References
- ISBN 0870992686.
- For spirits and kings at archive.org
- ISBN 1932543201.
- ^ "Herbalist's Staff (Opa Osanyin or Opa Erinle)". Yale University Art Gallery eCatalogue. Yale University. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
- ISBN 0810917947.