Oromo Pilgrimage Staff, Wall Mounted

Opening into a sharp V, a long reddish staff keeps one small spur low on its side.

This wall mounted pilgrimage staff is Oromo, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is wood & copper. The Oromo are among the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, and carved wooden objects form part of their everyday and ceremonial material culture. Warm brown with a slightly uneven surface, the thin shaft has tiny bands near the middle and base. At the top it divides into two narrow, straight prongs, each ending in a fine point. It is 5 inches wide, 9 deep and 48.75 high.

Spare, tall and tapered, with nothing wasted.