Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1050 - Antique African Zulu Chief's Staff

This moderately dark brown wooden staff measures 61¾ inches (157 cm) in length. The top terminates in an onion shaped bulb that is 1.8 inches (4.6 cm) in greatest diameter. In the mid portion, somewhat nearer the top, there is a band of spiral carving gently expanded in diameter beyond which the diameter then slowly tapers to a far plain wooden tip with scuffing, discoloration and loss of a chip of wood consistent with a use. A number of shallow cuts and scuffs are present along the length but contribute more so than distract from a fine mellow old finish. The full length photograph exaggerates the bowing of about ½ inch (1.25 cm) out of true when the shaft of the staff is laid on a large table. Overall weight is about 19½ ounces (556 grams).


African Zulu Chief's Staff

African Zulu Chief's Staff

African Zulu Chief's Staff

African Zulu Chief's Staff



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