I have a few sticks from Southern Africa. One is certainly Zulu, the others come other parts now countries like Zambia. The longest one , the dark ball head with the very simplified face is 57cm , 30.5 inches , which is short for a walking stick although it has had contact with the ground. Now what is a baton of office or a walking stick? How long is a swagger stick? A swagger stick made for colonial soldiers or native levies. The four shortest examples are surely batons 52cm long except the ivory and horn piece being 46cm long. I think the ivory hooked example may well be a symbol of some status as it is too short for a walking stick and also the wrong weight and form for a swagger stick. Held at the carved section feels right much like a Recade from West Africa. If I see them I get them {if I have the funds}
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