Figure

Hemba people, African, Democratic Republic of the Congo

20th century

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Staff in form of figure of a woman.
Vertical iron pole with six iron currency objects attached at top; three objects are iron hoe-blade currencies, and three are possibly rattles, hoe-shaped but open in center and with an enclosed portion that could have held percussive elements Function: Currency staffs constitute a display of wealth; if it is Fulani, it would have been owned by settled Fulani rather than nomadic herders.
geometric
Reddish, ovoid vessel with wide mouth and handles just below rim has parallel raised ridges on shoulder.