Skip to main content
Staff of office
Object Number 17-41-50/B1569
Display Title Staff of office
Descriptions
Object Description Wooden staff. The object is a staff carved from a solid piece of wood. Two panels are insized with geometric designs (obverse and verso) and two female faces carved in high relief. Iron metal sheeting, probably hammered in place, covers the point of the staff. The surface of the wood is coated with a black material, possibly in oil or dye. Identification marks and/or labels: The number, B.1569 in red paint has been applied on the side of the lower panel. A paper label (2.5 cm x 1.5 cm) is adhered to the lower area of the staff, 14 cm from the point of the staff.
Inventory Description Staff, wood, carved human head and headdress, diamond-shaped end
Classification
  • Staff
Department Ethnographic
Culture
  • Luba
  • Numba
  • Urna
  • Kudja
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa / Congo
Additional Geographic Terms Democratic Republic of Congo, southern
Materials Wood, Metal
Dimensions Overall: 147 x 13 x 5.5 cm (57 7/8 x 5 1/8 x 2 3/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object B1569 & 122C
Provenance
Collector Henri Pareyn (1880's-1890's)
Dealer William O. Oldman (1917)
Donor Prof. A. C. Coolidge (July 1917)
Donor Mr. Oric Bates (July 1917)
Donor Mrs. George P. Howe (July 1917)

Important Note about Historical Language

Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.

PrimaryMedia Object Number Title Classification Geography/Provenience SHARE
Ceremonial staff
11-46-50/83072 Ceremonial staff
Staff
Angola
Staff of office
17-41-50/B1570 Staff of office
Staff
Congo
Wooden staff of office?
49-32-50/8532 Wooden staff of office?
Staff
Africa
Staff of office, porcupine cult
30-66-50/H1383 Staff of office, porcupine cult
Staff
Tanzania
Staff of office with medicine shell
35-50-50/1375 Staff of office with medicine shell
Staff
Tanganyika
Double dance staff. Wood carved w/ green and blue pigment.
985-27-10/60280 Double dance staff. Wood carved w/ green and blue pigment.
Staff
United States
Staff or "Cane" for an Old Woman, Carved Wood with Elaborate Dragon Motif
991-12-60/15182 Staff or "Cane" for an Old Woman, Carved Wood with Elaborate Dragon Motif
Staff
China
Woman's cane (staff)
22-2-50/B3593 Woman's cane (staff)
Staff
Cameroon
Staff of office (ntum)
27-35-50/B4339 Staff of office (ntum)
Staff
Cameroon
Image Not Available for Carved wooden staff/dagger?
2016.26.11 Carved wooden staff/dagger?
Staff
Carving
Ecuador
Staff of office, porcupine cult
2004.24.14124 Staff of office, porcupine cult
Tanzania
Staff of office with medicine shell, equipment
2004.24.14116 Staff of office with medicine shell, equipment
Tanzania