This exceptionally elegant and totemic staff is further enhanced by its glowing, silken patina and the minimal pokerwork on the alternating sides of the ‘arrow-head’. In addition, below the ‘arrow-head’ are four lozenge shaped motifs encircling the staff, which may represent snuff containers. It’s form, length and quality is associated with men of the highest rank. It is related to a rare group of 19th century staffs that have arrow-like tops examples of which can be seen in the restricted publication (100 copies) of Relics of War (see ref.)
Reference:
Relics of War: a Collection of 19th Century Artifacts from British South Africa and Southern Rhodesia by Nicolas G Maritz, Salut Africa CC, Pretoria, 2008 pp155, figs 163 – 166.
