Weapon or Tool?

[russel]

Hello all,

I bought this on a whim (and cheaply) recently. It is yet to arrive, so I only have the sellers images to share. I have had a good search of the Forum and the wider internet but still remain quite clueless as to the origin or purpose of this item. I hope someone here can be of help.

OAL 50cm.

Cheers - Russel

[Robert]

Hello Russel, When first looking at this I was thinking possibly a drum stick, but with the tack work I think if it were used for that the tacks would be falling out all the time. Maybe a scepter or some other badge of rank ? :shrug: Whatever it is I am sure that someone here that has a lot more knowledge than I do about these will be able to identify it for you.

Best,
Robert

[colin henshaw]

Looks African, probably Chokwe. Sticks like this were used as indicators of rank, part of costume etc by adult males.

[russel]

Thanks guys, your comments have led me down more informative lines of enquiry and yes, a Chokwe (or simililar) Status "Sceptre" seems the most likely identification.

The triangular carvings and the use of imported brass furniture tacks are very similar to others from this region/culture. Curiously most of the sceptres I have seen are figural or bulbous, has anyone seen one with a similar "block" shaped head?

Cheers - Russel