Ceremonial staff "rekade" · Benin, Fon · ID: 3034671
not available anymore
Size
H: 57,5 cm
H: 22.6 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, crowned by a dog head, partly stud with metal sheet, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
“rekades” developed from war axes. The “rekade” 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
Robbins, Warren M., Ingram Nooter, Nancy, African Art in American Collections, 1989, p. 208