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Even in the context of impressive tribal
regalia,
this staff is truly exceptional. It was made by
the
Toma people of Guinea and Liberia, and
constitutes a plain central section
surmounted by
an anthropomorphic/monkey figure, and
bordered
inferiorly with a stepped ring then four
horned
masks (in the traditional Toma design) and a
ring
of horns (?). There are further rings and
geometric
designs below this, tapering to a narrow
point.
The anthropomorphic figure is exceptionally
well
carved, with a glowering shelf-like brow over
a
face with no features except for the nose,
thus
lending a powerful sculptural impact. This is
heightened by the squat, powerful, naked
body,
and the hands resting on the hips. Where
present,
the quality of the detailing is superb (notably
the
masks). Patination is dark, uneven and
beautifully
glossy.
The Toma are comparatively understudied,
and
live in Liberia (where they are called the
Loma)
and Guinea. Their society is based upon the
Poro, which acts as judge, trial and
executioner,
as well as supervising ritual growth of age
classes from circumcision through to
adulthood,
and to their place in the resulting
gerontocracy.
Their art reflects their social structure, with
the
often outsized Landai mask being used to
ritually
eat Poro members at the end of their
initiation
period. Figures are less common. Like most
African societies, they also manufacture
regalia to
assert the ruling class’s authority over their
subjects, if which this is a truly remarkable
example.
This is a powerful and imposing piece of
African
art, and a worthy addition to any serious
collection.
- (PF.3907 (LSO))
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