West Africa, southern Nigeria, Benin Kingdom, Edo peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful Oba staff - a staff intended to memorialize an Oba or king - hand-carved from a single slab of wood to present a lengthy slender form with a cylindrical body and ornate finial. The top of the staff has been elaborately carved with the janiform head of a king, who on each face displays almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, full lips, and a long beard, all capped with a bulbous crown. Below the king, both sides of the staff are adorned with symmetrical zoomorphic and anthropomorphic designs, such as a lengthy serpentine animal and a diamond-shaped visage, as well as circular motifs and incised horizontal striations. The other 2 sides of the staff are also embellished by vertical striations and a braided pattern. Size: 2.875" W x 62" H (7.3 cm x 157.5 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Will Barnett (1911-2012) collection, American artist
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#166565
Condition
Expected surface wear as shown with nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Some minor areas of loss on finial. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.