Scepter
Scepter
late 1800s-early 1900s
Ivory
Overall: 28 x 2.5 x 4 cm (11 x 1 x 1 9/16 in.)
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2010.447
Location
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Fun Fact
Scepters often represent the chief sitting atop a bound prisoner or attribute to a violent death.
Description
Used by male chiefs, ivory scepters were symbols of status indicating worldly authority and supernatural influence. The use of ivory implies that the chief has the fatal power of an elephant. The figurine shows a chief enthroned on the bound body of a criminal destined for such a death. A medicine package would have been enclosed within the container extending from the figure’s head, bestowing supernatural powers.
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