Dignitary staff "umbweti"

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Description

wood, shiny reddish brown patina, round finial, surmounted by an anthropomorphic head with interwoven cheek tattoos, the coiffure consisting of two lobes joined to an oval form, rich decor with upholstery nails, slightly dam. (nose, ears), breakage (coiffure backside), some nails missing, missing parts (base), on metal plate;
the Mbundus (Ovimbundu) homeland is centered on the Benguela Plateau, bordering to the east on Chokwe land. Their art works are heavyly influenced by these neighbours. Masks are not known but their sculptures are mainly known by their pipes and staffs with female heads or figures which depict “nana yakoma”, the guardian of the holy fire - sacred objects of the old Ovimbundu chiefs.

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Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 432

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