Ceremonial staff
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Object PlaceLiberia or Cote d'Ivoire
Medium/TechniqueWood, metal, cloth, string
DimensionsOverall: 145.5 x 7 x 6 cm (57 5/16 x 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2708
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPersonal accessories
Collections
This Dan ceremonial staff is in the shape of a spear with three heads carved into its handle. Staffs, such as this one, indicate that the owner is an important member of his community. Staffs and other prestige items are associated with chiefly titles and other local authorities. Such items served as highly visible displays of wealth and power.
ProvenanceAcquired in Paris by Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
Artist Unidentified
20th century
20th century
20th century
Artist Unidentified
