Ethiopian Prayer Staff with Finial

A brass-colored ball, balanced on a black stem.

This prayer staff with finial was made in Ethiopia, East Africa, in the 20th century from bamboo and silver. Staffs of this kind are commonly associated with clergy and prayer in Ethiopian Christian tradition. The long shaft is almost black-red, with fine ridges along the bamboo nodes. A silver collar holds a round knob at the top, which has aged to a warm golden hue. The foot is capped with a dark tip.

About five and a half feet tall. Plenty of height, very little fuss.