Ethiopian Prayer Staff with Finial

A long wooden staff, topped with a small silver crossbar.

This prayer staff with finial was made in Ethiopia, East Africa, in the 20th century from wood and silver. Prayer staffs are commonly associated with Ethiopian Christian clergy, who lean on them during long services. The shaft is slender and reddish, ending in a dark tip at the bottom. At the top sits a silver T-shaped head, with small cast details on the arms. The silver has softened and darkened, while the shaft shows a warm patina.

About five feet tall. Lean it in a corner and the room gets a little more upright.