Bidspirit auction | Circa 1900 West African Carved

Circa 1900 West African Carved Wood Ritual Staff - This hand-carved ritual or ceremonial object is constructed from a single piece of dense hardwood, featuring a central rectangular shaft flanked by two large, integral curved loops. The central pillar is extensively decorated on all four faces with incised geometric patterns, primarily composed of stacked ”X” motifs and nested triangles. The upper terminal is carved into a tiered, stylized form that suggests zoomorphic or abstract figurative elements. Traces of dark pigment, likely charcoal or manganese-based, and a reddish earth pigment remain visible in the recesses of the carving and near the junctions of the loops. The wood surface displays a deep honey-colored patina consistent with significant age and handling. A small, aged paper label is adhered to the upper interior of one loop (photo 2 and 3); the label shows vertical strokes and faded markings that are not legible as a name or inventory number. One loop is secured at the upper junction by a wooden pin or mortise-and-tenon joint (photo 8). Length: 18.5 inches Loop width: 4 inches. The object shows significant wood loss and splintering at the base of the shaft (photo 10). A structural split is visible running vertically through the center of the shaft at the cross-junction (photo 5). There is a gap and signs of an old repair at the upper point where one loop meets the terminal (photo 8). The surface exhibits general abrasions, nicks, and accumulated dust within the incised decoration consistent with field use and age. The original dark and red pigments show significant fading and partial loss across the piece.