Staff c. 20th century

This carved wooden staff, created by an artist of the Luchazi or Lwena people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a striking example of African art. The staff features a stylized female figure with a rounded head and simplified limbs, carved in a dark, rich wood. This type of staff was likely used for ceremonial or ritual purposes, perhaps as a symbol of authority or as a representation of ancestral power. The staff's geometric form and the figure's simplified features are characteristic of traditional African sculpture. The object's presence at the Minneapolis Institute of Art demonstrates the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic traditions from around the world.