Lot 80: An extremely rare and historic Mende staff

People: Mende
Sierra Leone
H: 47 ½"
The staff surmounted by a complete figure carved in the round; the head in classical form and decorated in the style of masks used by the Mende for female initiation; the body geometrically rendered with arms to the front, bent at the elbows, the hands touching the hips, and the legs carved off the central staff with bent knees. Fine overall patina of use and age. An extremely important object; on a custom base.

Provenance:
Brought to Canada from Africa by Capt.J.L. Boddy and presented to E.D. Manchee in 1907. A photocopy of the page from the 1925 Manchee will is included and states: "Death God - (From XX African tribe of Sierra Leone) Taken from god's house of the M'bundu t

Price Realized: $9,000

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