Kirdi Diviner's Scepter with Rooster Motif

A rooster’s comb, rendered as a fan of iron spokes.

Kirdi blacksmiths of northern Nigeria, West Africa, forged this diviner’s scepter in iron in the early 20th century. Iron staffs and wands are commonly associated with divination and ritual authority in the region, and birds such as the rooster appear often in such work. A long, slightly bent shaft rises to a half-circle of slender rods, with a rounded knob at one end. The base tapers to a point with a small hanging loop. Brown, dry and unpolished.

About 22 inches tall. It reads as an instrument you would think twice before touching.