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.
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Comparing literature
Hommel, William, Art of the Mende, University of Maryland 1974, ill. 79
Publications
AHDRC: 0139706