A variety of these pieces, especially those for ritual or ceremonial use, have a limited spiritual life. By allowing the physical product to contain diminishing potency, the process itself becomes the significant experience. Every occasion and every generation to follow will then receive its own impulse to express beliefs through its own creative effort.

Staff of Ogun
Yoruba - Nigeria, Benin
iron, 27.5" high

Life Force at the Anvil
The Blacksmith's Art from Africa

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