Description:

Burkina Faso. Divination staff of hooked form, carved from a hardwood branch and surmounted by a large seated figure with a Janiform head. The faces are crowned by a narrow sagittal crest, while the figure's legs extend in relief along the curved head of the staff. The hook itself is carved as a bird's head with a long, partially open beak. The staff has been shortened at the base, an age crack runs along the side of the head. Deep dark brown to black patina with layered ritual deposits attests to sustained use. Drilled for a custom base, that is now missing. Size: 17-1/2"H. (44.5cm).

Provenance: Ex. Sotheby's sale of May 10, 1988, lot 128, with copy of invoice from 1988.

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#70422

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February 26, 2026 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000