Staff Item Number: Ac243 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Staff made from a slightly crooked length of dark brown coloured wood topped by a long-haired female head. Large loop of hair down back is covered with areas of parallel incised lines and begins from far back on the wrinkled forehead, looping around the recessed back of the head. Nose formed by three angular facial planes. Incised almond-shaped eyes, small mouth, and '+' on cheek on left.
History Of Use
Staffs are used to help carry objects, walking, decoration, as a weapon, and to show prestige. Based on the height of this staff, it was unlikely to have been used for walking but could still have been used for stability.
Cultural Context
carrying
Narrative
The collector, Nellie Taylor, served as a nursing missionary (1900-1920), first with the Ovimbundu at Bihe, then with the Chokwe at luma Kasai. She belonged to a group who sponsored several missions across Central Africa from 1881-1931.
Iconographic Meaning
The stylized hair, large eyes and cross on forehead are very typical of Chokwe masks. The pattern on the hair is possibly maswi a yisakala ("net of cages"), one of the most widespread Chokwe decorative motifs.
Item History
- Made in Luma Kasai, Angola before 1920
- Collected between 1900 and 1920
- Owned by Nellie Taylor
- Owned by Gladys G. Cameron before January 12, 1979
- Received from Gladys G. Cameron (Donor) on January 12, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Chokwe
- Previous Owner
- Nellie Taylor and Gladys G. Cameron
- Received from
- Gladys G. Cameron (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Luma Kasai, Angola
When
- Creation Date
- before 1920
- Collection Date
- between 1900 and 1920
- Ownership Date
- before January 12, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on January 12, 1979
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0509/0016