Weapon or Tool?
 

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

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

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

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