A long, dark wooden staff from the Makam Chiefdom. The upper end is covered in leather and hung with strings of beads and cowrie shells.

1. Form and Decoration

The staff is a long, straight shaft of dark wood, slightly faceted, tapering to a pointed foot. At the top, a rounded, club-like knob is covered in dark leather. Several strings of small cylindrical beads, mostly white with a few green, black and orange, hang over the leather, together with cowrie shells. The plain shaft and the finely dressed top make a clear contrast of calm and ornament.

2. Use and Context

According to the collection catalogue, when the head of the Makam Chiefdom gave orders or commands for certain actions, he underlined his instructions with the staff, the bâton du commandement. The person commanded had no choice but to carry out the order without contradiction; otherwise he had to expect very serious consequences.

3. Surface and Wear

The shaft is dark brown with a fine, slightly dry grain and light marks of use. The leather of the knob is matte and creased. The beads are slightly dull, and some have darkened.

Summary

A dark wooden staff with a leather-covered knob hung with beads and cowries, used by the head of the Makam Chiefdom to underline his commands.