Staff Date Unknown

This staff was created by an artist from the Kusu people and is made from wood, pigment, and animal hair. The material of the wood determines the staff’s overall appearance. Its density allows for the detailed carving of the three faces and the geometric patterns. The faces are the most important design element, conveying the staff’s social significance. The addition of animal hair and pigment alters the surface appearance, enriching its textural and visual qualities. The making process reflects the Kusu's cultural traditions and belief systems. It is likely that specialized knowledge, tools, and techniques would have been passed down through generations. The staff embodies Kusu aesthetics and creative practices, and these connect it to broader histories of African art and design. The time and labor involved in selecting the wood, carving the intricate details, applying pigment, and attaching the animal hair all imbue the staff with meaning, challenging Western notions of fine art and craft.