Scepter
late 1800s–early 1900s
Maker Unknown
African Art
Scepter, late 1800s–early 1900s. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of Congo, probably Kongo-style (Yombe sub-group) carver. Ivory; overall: 28 x 2.5 x 4 cm (11 x 1 x 1 9/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2010.447 Used by male chiefs, ivory scepters were symbols of status indicating worldly authority and supernatural influence. The use of ivory implies that the chief has the fatal power of an elephant. The figurine shows a chief enthroned on the bound body of a criminal destined for such a death. A medicine package would have been enclosed within the container extending from the figure’s head, bestowing supernatural powers. Scepters often represent the chief sitting atop a bound prisoner or attribute to a violent death.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Implements
- Formatted Medium
- ivory
- Medium
- ivory
- Dimensions
- Overall: 28 x 2.5 x 4 cm (11 x 1 x 1 9/16 in.)
- Departments
- African Art
- Accession Number
- 2010.447
- Credit Line
- René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
- Exhibitions
- Fragments of the Invisible: The Rene and Odette Delenne Collection of Congo Sculpture, African Master Carvers: Known and Famous, Société des Expositions du Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, BE (March 25-June 5, 1988)
- Rights Statement
- CC0
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