A ceremonial royal staff

Description:

Luba-Hemba, Zaire
H. ca. 137 cm
Wood, partially wrapped in copper and aluminum. Decorated with two shield-like intermediate links, carved with stylized faces and geometric chip-carved decoration. One of the intermediate links is shaped on both sides in the manner of a Janus head. This type of staff, called a "kibango," was considered a symbol of dignity for kings or important figures and was placed in the ground next to the royal stool on ceremonial and other occasions.
Helga and Edzard Reuter Collection, Stuttgart, acquired in 1991 from Galerie Walu, Zürich - Partially wear, slightly corroded, minor damage due to age, with wooden plinth