Ceremonial staff "recade" · Benin, Fon · ID: 3041291
sold
EUR 800
Provenance
American Private Collection, BostonSize
H: 62 cm
H: 24.4 inch
Description
wooden staff carved with lion head, covered with embossed sheet brass, carefully forged brass blade, provided with wire spirals, handle decorated with animal figure (gnu?), min. dam., slight traces of corrosion and usage;
“recades” developed from war axes. The “recade” symbolizes the authority of its owner. The messenger of the king carried the veiled staff on his shoulder, first uncovering it in presence of the receiver of the message, in order to seal the dispatch.
Comparing literature
Zirngibl, Manfred A., Seltene afrikanische Kurzwaffen, Grafenau 1983, p. 19, ill. 10