Ovimbundu
Staff
Ovimbundu, 19th century
Scroll
Ovimbundu
Staff
Ovimbundu, 19th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, 25 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 2 3/8 in. (65.4 x 4.5 x 6 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger
Object Number
1954.145.95
The figure of a girl ornamenting this staff underscores the symbolic connection between women and good governance in Ovimbundu court circles. The beautiful face and single braid, worn by young unmarried girls, metaphorically links the future fertility of the soil with the promise of new generations. Since the late 16th century, Ovimbundu men elected to lead a chiefdom have assumed responsibility for the prosperity of both the people and the land and have commissioned staffs like this one to showcase this commitment.
Nichole Bridges, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Hand Held: Personal Arts from Africa," Sept. 25, 2011-Feb. 5, 2012.
Kathryn Gunsch, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Wurtzburger Galleries, "Conspicuous Consumption," April 2015.
Kathryn Gunsch, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Wurtzburger Galleries, "Conspicuous Consumption," April 2015.
On View: Wurtzburger, Gallery
