Baule Royal Fly Whisk

Eighteen inches of ceremony. An animal bends its neck on the gold cap.

This royal fly whisk is Baule, from Morofe in the Akwe region of Ivory Coast, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is gold foil over wood, with horse tail and leather. Whisks like this generally served as emblems of status, held by those of rank during public occasions. A small horned or eared animal arches over the flared gold end, whose surface carries fine incised patterns. Dark leather covers the grip, and the short tail spills out in loose curls. Eighteen inches high and 4 in diameter.

Modest in length. It does not appear to have noticed.