Accession Number2001/2.56
TitleStaff
Artist(s)ZuluObject Creation Datecirca 1950Medium & SupportwoodDimensions 46 7/16 in x 1 9/16 in x 1 9/16 in (118 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Margaret H. and Albert J. CoudronSubject matterZulu carvers, like other African artists, have long adapted their skills to serve different markets-- in this case, that of European buyers and of local dignitaries. The influx of British soldiers into the region following the Anglo-Boer and Southern African Wars of the late 19th century seems to have stimulated the production of staffs (and other carvings) originally intended for local consumption by either chiefs or, somewhat later on, wealthy individuals. The spiralling snake motif, in particular, is very common among many southern African peoples and has long been popular with colonial officers collecting souvenirs from the places where they were stationed. The varied relations between carvers of different backgrounds, adapting and inventing new styles, and a heterogeneous group of African and European buyers makes the attribution of objects to a single ethnic group problematic.
Physical DescriptionSlightly curved staff, topped by two snakes spiraling around each other, followed by an open-worked carving of three smaller "pillars" set between ornamental carved elements above and below. On the lower half of the staff are a series of carved, protruding knobs distributed around all sides of the shaft between carved ornamental bands.
Primary Object Classification Costume and Costume Accessories Primary Object TypestaffAdditional Object Classification(s)Ritual ObjectCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
staff
staffs (walking sticks)