Diviner's Staff c. 20th century

This Yoruba Diviner’s Staff, made of iron, speaks to the power of simple forms to convey complex ideas. It’s like looking at a drawing in space, each line forged with intention, like a single brushstroke. The rust-colored iron has a raw, earthy feel. You can almost feel the heat of the forge where the artist bent and hammered the metal into shape. The cage-like structure is fascinating, with its vertical bars and swirling shapes. It’s like a container for something precious, a sacred space holding secrets and possibilities. The bird at the top, with its elegant neck and outstretched wing, gives the piece a sense of flight and freedom. I am reminded of the work of David Smith, the way he used welded steel to create these monumental, yet delicate sculptures. Both artists share a love of material and a willingness to let the process guide the final form. The Diviner’s Staff isn't trying to be perfect or realistic; it embraces the imperfections and ambiguities of the material. And in that, there is real beauty.