Simbo (ceremonial staff) with two heads
Adorned with carefully carved representations of figurative heads, ceremonial staffs such as this example (pl. disimbo, sing. simbo) were historically commissioned from carvers by Makonde men. Used for a variety of purposes, they were attributes of prestige and indicative of an individual’s status. Disimbo have been described in the literature as dance accessories for initiation celebrations, but also as staffs owned by diviners and imbued with spiritual powers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Simbo (ceremonial staff) with two heads
- Artist: Makonde artist
- Date: 19th–mid-20th century
- Geography: Mozambique
- Culture: Makonde
- Medium: Wood
- Dimensions: H. 46 1/4 × W. 2 × D. 4 1/2 in. (117.5 × 5.1 × 11.4 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: Anonymous Gift, 2014
- Object Number: 2014.523.2
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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