Ashanti Linguist's Staff Depicting Male with Sword and Adze, Based

Silver-coated warrior grips a blade in one hand and a small torch in the other.

This linguist’s staff depicting male with sword and adze is Ashanti, from Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved & painted wood. Common finial motifs include a leopard holding a porcupine, said to praise a ruler's keen insight, and a rooster and hen, which refer to a chief's decisions and the wisdom of his elders. Narrow-framed man with large ringed eyes and a flat cap, painted all in dull silver. A curved blade hangs at one side, while the raised hand holds a short spiked stick. A strap crosses his chest on a small round base. It is 3.5 inches wide, 5.5 deep and 61.5 high.

Armed, shiny, and slightly overdressed for any actual emergency.