Artwork Page for Staff of Office (upper segment)

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Details / Information for Staff of Office (upper segment)

Staff of Office (upper segment)

early to mid-1800s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Luba-style maker

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

Besides prestige emblems and symbols of power, these staffs were also historical documents that could be “read” like a sculptural map from top to bottom.

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.
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Staff of Office (upper segment)

early to mid-1800s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Luba-style maker

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