This head of an early ceremonial Kuyu dance staff/club has been finely carved from a semi-hard wood, and decorated with natural pigments.
Dance clubs such as this are used during the 'kebe-kebe' snake dance, in which the dancer holds the club above his head. After ceremonies, the dancer then places the staff/club in a large wooden figure.
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Ex Private Collection, UK
Height (Excl. Custom-Made Mount): 52cm
Height (Incl. Custom-Made Mount): 56cm
Reference
Encyclopaedia of African Art and Culture, p. 359
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