Accession Number
2001/2.59

Title
Staff

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
wood and metal

Dimensions
52 1/16 in x 2 5/8 in x 2 5/8 in (132.3 cm x 6.6 cm x 6.6 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Margaret H. and Albert J. Coudron

Subject matter
The exact origins of this staff are unknown, but it is possible that Igbo or Idoma peoples may have carved it. While the context it may have been used in is unknown, the crest hairstyle is similar to that of Igbo 'maiden spirit' masks, called agbogho mmuo. The outstretched hands appear to be turned upward, similar to the pose of alusi figures, carved for deities and placed in their shrines. However, the face of the kneeling figure also resembles some of the masks and headdresses created by Idoma peoples. 

References Cited: 
Cole, Herbert M. 2012. Invention and Tradition: The Art of Southeastern Nigeria. Munich: Prestel. 

Physical Description
Staff with a finial of a kneeling female figure on an inverted conical base. There are five raised grooves around the figure's waist and around the neck a 'V'-shaped object. The hair is in the form a crest. 

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
staff

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
kneeling
staff
staffs (walking sticks)
women (female humans)