A fine, old example made from a section of rattan with a wooden, composite zoomorphic carving attached to the shaft. The mythological creature is vaguely saurian, somewhat avian in appearance. Surface is darkened and slightly encrusted overall. Original fiber bindings intact. 29"L. From Papua New Guinea. Early-mid 20th century.
Staffs in Southeast Asian and Indonesian cultures generally connote power and magic. This is a simple, but beautifully carved example, complete with it's horse hair tassel encased in a bronze cylindrical top. Just below are carved 4 human figures with arms held to their chests. They might refer to the 4 cardinal directions. On one side of the shaft is carved a serpent.
Our staff probably comes from the north in Batak-land, close to the Pakpak people. 38"L, showing a lustrous, deep, ...click for details
