Ada Ogun [Ceremonial Sword]

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This ceremonial sword, associated with the Yoruba deity Ogun, reflects the duality of war and craftsmanship central to Yoruba culture. It embodies narrative in its use in the Ogun Festival and how it is used to bridge the gap between the divine and the human. Ogun was seen as the god who opened the door for deities to come to Earth through its proficiency in iron works. The sword’s character, being Ogun himself at the hilt, embodies its importance in the Yoruba culture and how critical a role it played in everyday life. By holding the character, Ogun, at the hilt, the wielder, often a chieftain or a priest, was able to tell its narrative through dance and song and in protection during combat and ritual.

Yoruba people (Nigeria), Ada Ogun [Ceremonial Sword], 19th century. Iron and copper alloy, 13 1/8 x 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 in. Museum purchase, 91.0013

3D Scanned at the University of Miami (HIS 267/AMS321). Captured with iPhone 16 Pro using Polycam. Annotation Authors: Preston Astrow & Andrew Rodz