Lot #004

Walking Staff with Figural Top, Tanzania

Walking staff with waist-up figural finial, Tanzania.

While ethnic attribution for this staff isn’t entirely certain, the finial (with long arms crossing abdomen, scarified face with peaceful expression and inset bead eyes on a head with no discernible coiffure) bears similarities to objects attributed to the Kaguru, Luguru, Ngulu or Nyamwezi… all eastern Tanzanian ethnicities.

Hard wood with overall mellow, honey/amber color. Remains of dark pigment in deeper relief areas of the finial, which – located at handle height – explains the high degree of wear.

13.5″ metal ferrule at lower end of staff.

PROVENANCE


James Stephenson, NY
Private Collection, Boston, MA

Dimensions

46″h on custom base

Weight

2.75 lbs

Estimate

$800-1200

Starting bid

RESULT


$1375.00

Question about lot #004

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