Phurba-like possibly Africa Thing-a-jawhatsit

[David]

A friend of mine recently could resist this at a local flea market. Anyone have any ideas about origin and purpose. It reminds me of a wooden phurba, but it's not Tibetan. The faces look a bit like African carvings. Seems to have some age. Maybe vintage rather than antique. Any input would be appreciated . Thanks

[kronckew]

King's ceremonial war club/sceptre?

[David]

Maybe. But the metal wrapped point on the bottom gives me the impression that it is meant to be stuck into the ground like a stake of some kind.
What do you think about origin? Any recognizable motifs?

[colin henshaw]

It looks like its meant to be a Chokwe (Angola/Congo area) staff of office. However, given the low quality carving I would guess it was likely made for selling to Europeans (tourists).

[David]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

It looks like its meant to be a Chokwe (Angola/Congo area) staff of office. However, given the low quality carving I would guess it was likely made for selling to Europeans (tourists).

Yes, my guess would also be that this was made for the market more that for cultural use. Any photos of wood working from the Congo showing similar motifs?

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by David

Yes, my guess would also be that this was made for the market more that for cultural use. Any photos of wood working from the Congo showing similar motifs?

Here are a couple of examples of Chokwe carving from the internet, you can see the style similarities...