Staff

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-staffs, scepters, & wands

Cultureprobably Kulango

Date20th Century

Made AtCôte d'Ivoire, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions30 1/4 × 1 5/8 × 1 3/4 in. (76.8 × 4.1 × 4.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2019.15.12

DescriptionThe Kulango culture occupies a region of the Ivory Coast along the border of Ghana and Burkina Faso. The region is an artistic melting pot with a variety of ethnic groups living in close proximity to one another. Unfortunately, the art of the Kulango has been poorly documented. As a result, the purpose of many sculptural and utilitarian pieces—this staff included—are not well-understood. Throughout much of Africa, though, staffs are used as prestige objects either on ceremonial occasions or in daily life.

On View

Not on view

Collections