(back to top)

Elephants and their ivory tusks are very important in many African cultures. Ivory symbolizes wealth and leadership, and shows that the ruler has the power of an elephant. Among the Kongo peoples, ivory tusks are decorated with carving that spirals from the bottom to the top. The carved images do not tell a continuous story, but present positive scenes of everyday life and European influence. Carved tusks such as these were given as gifts or traded to Europe.

This staff depicts a seated leader holding a scepter in his left hand that signifies his rank as chief. He also chews on a sacred plant stem that he ritually spat on the assembly during certain ceremonies.