Ceremonial staff "ricade"
Benin, Fon
sold
EUR 1,000
Size
H: 54,5 cm
H: 21.5 inch
Description
wood, shiny brown patina, brass, long straight handle, partly stud with metal sheet, “blade” in form of a running dog, min. dam., slight traces of corrosion;
“Recades” developed from war axes. The “ricade” 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.