Ukhurhẹ are placed at the ancestral shrine of each family. A carved wooden staff is placed in honour of the first son, and his achievements in life are carved on it. Ukhurhẹ reflect the activities of generations of elder sons. When the paternal head of a family passes away, an Ukhurhẹ is commissioned by the new head of the household and carved by a member of the Igbesamwan to commemorate the deceased, and an Ukhurhẹ is added to the family’s ancestral altar as part of a ceremony.

Ukhurhẹ are commonly seen lined up against the back wall of the ancestral altar. Cast brass and bronze examples would have been made by members of the Igun-Eronmwon for the Ọba. These staffs also have a noisemaking function as they feature a wooden rattle – for this reason they are commonly also described as ‘rattle staffs’.

Ukhurhẹ

Ukhurhẹ are placed at the ancestral shrine of each family. A carved wooden staff is placed in honour of the first son, and his achievements in life are carved on it. Ukhurhẹ reflect the activities of generations of elder sons. When the paternal head of a family passes away, an Ukhurhẹ is commissioned by the new head of the household and carved by a member of the Igbesamwan to commemorate the deceased, and an Ukhurhẹ is added to the family’s ancestral altar as part of a ceremony. Ukhurhẹ are commonly seen lined up against the back wall of the ancestral altar. Cast brass and bronze examples would have been made by members of the Igun-Eronmwon for the Ọba. These staffs also have a noisemaking function as they feature a wooden rattle – for this reason they are commonly also described as ‘rattle staffs’.

Ancestral Staff 

Austria

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Weltmuseum Wien

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Galerie Walu

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