Ceremonial staff "rekade" · Bénin, Fon · ID: 3037806
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Provenance
collected in Abomey (1983)German Private Collection
Description
wood, dark brown patina, brass, metal sheet, crowned by a dog head, partly stud with metal sheet, decorated with a standing chamaeleon, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage (mouth), slight traces of abrasion, base;
“recades” developed from war axes. The “recade” symbolizes the authority of its owner. The messenger of the king carried the veiled staff on his shoulder, first uncovering it in presence of the receiver of the message, in order to seal the dispatch.