Ofo: Brass Ritual Objects of the Lower Niger Delta by Mark Clayton african-arts.info/ofo.htm These small but interesting vintage objects can be thought of as personal or portable altars, but they appeared on shrine altars, as well . Averaging in length from 10 to 20 centimeters, they were made by brass casters of the Lower Niger Delta region. Their spoon-shaped form is actually a replica of ovo twigs, bundles of which are essential ritual items for all Isoko, Urhobo, and Western Igbo, as well as some Ijo groups. Called ofo among the Igbo, ovo by the Isoko, and ovuo by many Ijo peoples, some have zoomorphic or anthropomorphic features in addition to delicate geometric decoration. Most have either three or four legson the underside, but a few have no “legs.” Another type of ofo is shaped like a low, filled teacup, with its top surface being flat and round and featuring simple geometric shapes. I am presently building a collection for academic study and eventual donation to an ethnographic museum. If anyone is interested in selling an ofo, please contact me through David Norden. Reference: Anderson, Martha G. and Peek, Philip M. ed. (2002): Ways of the Rivers: Arts and Environment of the Niger Delta‚ Los Angeles, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. Page 46.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 07:09:38 +0000
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