Dignitary staff · D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3035427
sold
EUR 2,600
Size
L: 89 cm
L: 35.0 inch
Description
wood, slightly shiny honey brown patina, brass tip, crowned by a fist with its thumb raised, the shaft carved with lizard, scorpion, millipede and two snakes in spiral-shaped arrangement, slightly dam., cracks (hand, shaft);
extremely fine work !
The king is sacred and the emblems of power participate in his sacredness. They have the shape of objects of common use, but they have been sacralized by a religious dignitary and are often superbly decorated as is the case with present staff. They then become potent symbols of power and the seat of ancestor spirits who support the King’s authority.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 153, ill.4,13