staff of office

This object has been returned to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), following the transfer of ownership in November 2022.

An ivory staff of office or sceptre. Benin City. The staff depicts a carved relief figure of an Oba, identified by the figure's cross-body adornment, elaborately decorated skirt and coral beaded neck bands. The carved Oba is depicted standing on a platform, with a long shaft/pillar. Made by Igbesanmwan guildmembers (ivory and wood carvers).

This may be a staff handle but could also be the handle of a flywhisk, or other royal ceremonial object. The figure at the top appears to represent an Oba wearing his beaded regalia.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
3475
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 0.25 kg; overall: 325 x 45 x 45 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
ivory; wood
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

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