Ogun, the Yoruba god of blacksmiths and iron, taught humans to use fire and make iron. This technology can be used for both peaceful and aggressive means and Ogun, like the material he gave, wields the power to create and destroy. Positive and negative powers are not separate ideals for Ogun's followers, who know that understanding both is essential to balance the power of human nature and thus the tools humans use.

Every Yoruba blacksmith has an altar to Ogun in his shop. A shrine is called Ogun whenever two pieces of iron touch and a sacrifice is performed in his name.

Title Staff for Ogun, iwana ogun
Yoruba - Nigeria, Benin
cast bronze and iron, 23"h x 2.25"w x 1.75"d

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

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