Staff (Simbo)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-staffs, scepters, & wands

Cultureprobably Makonde

Date20th Century

Made AtTanzania, Africa

Made AtMozambique, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions26 3/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 5/8 in. (67 × 7 × 9.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2019.15.11

DescriptionThese staffs were likely made by the Makonde of Northern Mozambique and Southern Tanzania. The wood carvings of the Makonde are widely recognized for their quality and craftsmanship. Makonde staffs are generally indicators of one’s prestige social status. These two objects appear to be created in a style commonly used in dance festivals or by diviners. In Makonde culture, decorative staffs are called simbo and the plural form is disimbo. Whatever their use, the carving of these staffs was commissioned by Makonde men.

On View

Not on view

Collections