Yoruba Orisha Oko Staff

Nearly five feet of iron, and every inch of it in service to a farmer’s god.

This staff was made by Yoruba peoples of Nigeria in the 19th century for Orisha Oko, deity of farming and the fertility of the land, whose devotees kept tall iron staffs as emblems of their worship. A long, flat blade forms the lower shaft, rising to a small cross-shaped plate and a flared triangular section. Above, the upper shaft is wrapped in wood or cane and bound with metal bands, ending in a pointed, conical cap. The iron is dark and lightly pitted, warmer brown on the grip.

Stand it in a corner and the corner becomes a field.