Upper part of a dignitary staff

Description

wood, brown patina, in shape of a standing female figure with triangular headdress “dibulu”, dam., insect caused missing parts (base, stomach), cracks, abrasion of paint, base;
for pieces of the same hand/workshop see Yale GVR 0003082-3083 to -4223 and Bonhams New York, 12 May 2012, lot 301.
The numerous dignitaries within the hierarchy of the erstwhile Luba-Empire - king, regional sovereign, village chief and clan eldest - disposed of a rich supply of administrative signs. The most frequently used signs of dignity are staffs of office, like the present one. Hereditary objects passed down the royal line. Staffs played a critical part in precolonial investiture processes, during which the chief’s sister and/or first wife preceeded him with the staff and placed it next to the royal throne. The ruler holds this emblem as he swore his oath of office. When not in use, the staff was held by the guard of one of the ruler’s wives or dignitaries.

Comparing literature

Publications

AHDRC: 0004223