Staff

Maprik, Abelam
19th Century

This rare stone carved staff is used by young boys during initiation. The staff top is arch-typical Maprik. The head is wonderfully carved and still retains its original pigments. The way the septum is treated is very important in Oceanic art; all traditional examples should be pierced, as this example is. What makes this staff wonderful is the organic shape of the staff itself. As if it were a large bone; it remarkably looks just like the cassowary bone daggers found in the culture. In excellent condition.

This staff stands 18.5 inches tall.

SOLD / IN1013