Sceptre "récade" ·  Bénin, Fon · ID: 3042896

Description

wood, dark brown patina, metal, crowned by a dog head with narrow blade attached to the underside, spiral decorative element, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion and corrosion.
“Recades” developed from war axes. The “ricade” 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.