Upper part of a dignitary staff ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3041957

Description

wood, dark brown patina, surmounted by a seated female figure, striking long neck carved with rings, eyes inset with metal tags, drilled ears, back scarifications, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
these staffs are associated with the chief’s prestige and were carried on certain occasions to show his position in the community.

The object Upper part of a dignitary staff with the object ID 3041957 was last part of the auction 85th Tribal Art Auction at March 4, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 113.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Hommel, William, Art of the Mende, University of Maryland 1974, ill. 79

Publications

AHDRC: 0139706