Artwork Page for Staff of Office

Details / Information for Staff of Office

Staff of Office

early to mid-1800s

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba

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Medium
Wood and iron
Measurements
Overall: 170 x 13.3 cm (66 15/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2004.85
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The Yeke kingdom ruler Chief Msidi gave this as a gift of appreciation to the British missionary Frederick Stanley Arnot, whom the chief had invited to his kingdom.

Description

Sanctified by a ritual specialist and enhanced with medicinal substances, the staff possessed supernatural qualities and was endowed with healing power. Luba staffs are among the most important regalia of Luba kings. The metal point alludes to the kingdom's stability and durability. Each staff has its own distinctive iconography to reflect regional styles. As Chief Msidi (former owner of this staff) ruled over the Yeke kingdom (and not the Luba kingdom), it begs the question of how he acquired this symbol of another realm's power.
A tall iron staff that is pointed at the bottom end. The top of the staff features a small metal head with a tall, fanned out headpiece attached. The center of the staff features a small metal figure of a person with their hands at their chest.

Staff of Office

early to mid-1800s

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba

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