Tabwa Staff with Female Figure

This hand-carved 20th century wooden staff was crafted in the style of the Tabwa people located along the southwestern shores of Lake Tanganyika. The handle is finely decorated with engraved geometric patterns, surmounted by a standing naked figure representing the female lineage ancestor. The rest of the staff is stripped down with a more rustic finish, exhibiting a dark, glossy patina where it has been handled over many years.