Afian
When the Afian (chisel) appears as a motif on Emwin Arhe (royal treasures), it is typically depicted alongside other tools associated with smithing and metal casting. Together, these tools have been interpreted as symbols of “civilisation” (Ben-Amos Girshick 2007, cat. no. 256, p. 472). Miniature versions of the Afian are also placed on blacksmiths’ altars dedicated to Ogun, further emphasising the chisel’s association with metalworking and the transformative power of iron.
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