otùtù

Meanings

1. 1.

   blacksmith's hammer (the biggest of all the blacksmith's hammers). This tool is ceremonially the most important item for an apprentice who has just completed his period of apprenticeship and is going to set up as a master blacksmith, in that it is symbolic of his master's status. On the day of the celebration of his freedom, which features much feasting, the otùtù is set on a stool in the middle of the gathering of master smiths who were invited to the occasion. Shortly before the celebration is over the young master is called to the middle. The master holds out the otùtù towards the young master as one who is handing to another a staff of office. The master recites some blessings and incantations, at the end of which he hands the otùtù to the young master. An apprentice who has completed his course but who has not completed his obligations (usually monetary) is not given the otùtù and his freedom is not celebrated. The apprentice can leave his master for some period in search of money. He sometimes has to secure a temporary job, like farm labour, to get the required money, both for his training fees and for the celebration expenses. He then comes back to do the freedom celebration. To every master smith the otùtù is the most important item in his tools, for though it is rarely used because of its weight, the blacksmith, particularly the non-Christian one, kills cocks on top of his otùtù from time to time and on special occasions, letting the blood pour over the otùtù. Afterwards some down is scattered on top of the wet blood, which sticks it firmly to the otùtù

   Noun
2. 2.

   conical basket for fishing

   Noun