Staff c. 20th century

This is a carved wooden staff made by an artist from the Mbuun culture, a subgroup of the Kongo people, in what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ceremonial staffs like this were used by chiefs or elders as emblems of authority in formal settings, such as meetings or legal proceedings. The diamond pattern carved into the staff here might represent a woven mat, which is a common symbol of community, authority, and the foundation of social life in the region. The carved head could be a representation of an ancestor or mythical figure. The meaning of these symbols is fluid, and would often change with context. Understanding the visual culture of the Mbuun relies on understanding the social, political, and religious conditions of the time. Museum collections, field notes by anthropologists, and oral histories passed down through generations are all important research resources for understanding these beautiful and powerful objects.