Pair of edan. In Yorubaland the function of the barons was
discharged by the Ogboni society. Every town or village has its Oba, whose power is
limited by the almost equal power of the Ogboni elders. Every Ogboni house besides several
drums has at least one pair of edan, which are
short iron rod onto which human figures, one male and one female, have been cast in brass.
These figures, which are joined by the chain attached to the heads, are kept in the inner
sanctuary of the house, to which none but full members of Ogboni may penetrate. It is,
however, permissible for the keeper of the edan
to bring them out and show them to visitors who are privileged to enter the main courts of
the house. The function of the edan has not yet
been clearly established. Some have alleged that they were used for execution of humans.
Material:
iron, brass
Size of
each: H. 13”, W. 2½”, D. 2”
