Chief's staffs, symbols of authority (regalia), were reserved for Luba chiefs, spiritual leaders, diviners or important dignitaries. They displayed the social position of their holders.
They used carved staffs, such as this one, which now has such a rich, dark patina, as symbols of authority. On
many staffs, as in most Luba arts of authority, kingship is
represented by a woman. These figures express a belief
in women's powers to connect the worlds of humankind
and the spirits.
Height: 23 ½" x Width: 1 1.2" x Depth: 1 1/4
