**Originally Listed At $350**
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Baule, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An impressive ceremonial staff made from a lengthy piece of wood with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms. Surmounted on the top is a nude figure, stylized, with an emphasized backside, pronounced belly button, and scarification marks on the cheeks. The elongated face is also detailed with incised lines forming the coiffure. Etched lines also adorn the lower part of the staff above another nude figure. This figure is relief carved, and hugs one side, opposite from a lizard. Two rectangular openings are drilled through the shaft below this area. A snake slithers its way up from the tapering tip of the staff. Such a staff would be carried by an important member of society to denote power during ceremonies or dances. This staff undoubtably held great symbolic importance and has developed a dark patina. Size: 54" L x 1.75" W (137.2 cm x 4.4 cm)
Provenance: private collection, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. #162890
Condition
Stable pressure fissures. Nicks, chips, and abrasions to high pointed areas. Nice patina and great details.