Staff c. 19th century

This 19th century wooden staff, crafted by the Pende people, features a stylized figure standing atop a cylindrical base. The figure is depicted with a distinctive headdress and closed eyes, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the piece. The staff's intricate geometric designs, carved into the base, further enhance its symbolic significance. This object, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is an excellent example of Pende artistry and the importance of ritual objects in their culture.