Bamileke Staff or Walking Stick
Cameroon
20th century
Wood, hand cast metal tip
33 1/2″ x 8 1/4″ (85.5 x 20.5 cm)
The natural twist and knobby burls of the branch from which this richly patinated wood walking stick was carved, and the marvelously tactile, writhing serpentine handle, gives it a sinuous, animated quality. Special staffs, particularly those with an iron tip or feet, are typically a privilege reserved for men (and certain women) of high rank in the Grassland chiefdoms, such as village and family heads. Apart from their functional purpose, the emblems are also brandished or carried ceremonially in most contexts, including masquerades, death celebrations and medicine rituals.
Price on request
