Maker unknown, Osun staff , cast lead, 8 1/2" tall x 3 1/4" (at cup), Havana, 2000. The Osun staff is received as one of four principal components of the Warriors ( Guerreros , including Echu or Elegua, Ogun, and Ochosi) by entry level initiates into the Lucumi religion. Osun is a shrine to, and guardian of, a person's spiritual head ori ). Standing upright, Osun maintains a person's constitutional stability and equilibrium--mental and physical. Osun is forever vigilant, especially when the person is asleep. Osun contains a protective ache secret within the enclosed cup. The rooster warns of intrusive forces. Other Osun staffs also include four little bells, which "scare away" spirits of the dead espanta muerto ). The base is heavy to prevent Osun from falling over, indicating a disequilibrium that would require spiritual investigation and resolution. The form of this Osun, with its realistic rooster, combines decorative organic surface motifs with specific references to Yoruba prototypes, which feature four inverted conical bells supporting a bird- surmounted sphere and/or flat disk.

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