A superb prestige cane, a former chief's staff, in a style s - Lot 179

A superb prestige cane, a former chief's staff, in a style somewhat reminiscent of that of the "Master of the Round Eyes", but here in a very accomplished and above all more archaic style. The long-legged figure has his hands resting on his powerful, well-defined torso. His head is coiffed in the old traditional masculine round headdress, and his face, with its subtly hollowed arches and pearl-encrusted eyes, is intensely present. His gender and umbilicus are clearly indicated and marked by four blue glass beads. He appears to be wearing Western-style shoes, another mark of his power. Zulu-Tsonga (or Nguni), South Africa Wood, beads, minor age wear, very fine old patina. Height: 87cm Provenance: Private collection, France Private collection, France