Bracelet for the ‘Ogboni’ society

Yoruba

Nigeria

19th Century

Bronze

10cm

ex. Andreas Achmann, Germany

The Ogboni, originating from the Ijebu area of Southwestern Nigeria, is made up of devotees to the god  Onile, the “owner of the earth”. It was (and still is) one of the most prominent and powerful Yoruba secret societies, alongside the Oro and Ifa cults. Historically, they acted as a major judicial society to mitigate conflicts between individuals in which blood was spilled. Members also frequently acted as advisors to kings, keeping them in check and taking action should they threaten the spiritual well-being of their subjects. In the art world, they are most well known for their extensive use of bronze implements such as staffs, pendants, bangles, and bracelets. These bronze adornments represent not only their spiritual authority, but their direct connection to the gods. While most Yoruba bracelets feature one or two large faces, this one features four smaller ones facing outward from the edge, with loops above them for securing small chimes.