Antique Hand Carved Patinated Burkina Faso Folk Art Scepter on Custom Stand

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Antique Hand Carved Patinated Burkina Faso Scepter on Custom Stand. Dark wood color with dimensional carving of the top of … Read more Antique Hand Carved Patinated Burkina Faso Scepter on Custom Stand. Dark wood color with dimensional carving of the top of the scepter. There is a small nub carved into the back end of the top. In used condition with wear consistent with age.

These scepters, created by the Bobo people of Burkina Faso, often carved from dense wood and adorned with a rich, natural patina from years of use, are imbued with cultural and spiritual significance. Typically featuring abstract or geometric designs, they symbolize authority, power, and connection to the divine. Used in rituals, dances, and community ceremonies.

Size:  16.5”H x 5”W x 3”D

Provenance: Thomas G.D. Wheelock, New York

Thomas G.D. Wheelock was a dedicated collector of African art, with a particular focus on the artistic traditions of Burkina Faso. His mission extended beyond mere acquisition; he sought to both celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region. Wheelock placed great value on the relationships he cultivated with local artists and communities, often traveling to Africa to engage directly with them. His efforts resulted in a profound connection to the cultural practices and artistic expressions of the region.

Wheelock’s collection, amassed over more than thirty years, grew to include over 1,700 pieces, making it one of the most extensive and significant collections of its kind. Four of these works are now part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, while other pieces have been loaned to prestigious institutions, including the High Museum in Atlanta.

The importance of Wheelock’s collection was further cemented with the publication of the rare and influential book, Land of the Flying Masks: Art and Culture in Burkina Faso; The Thomas G.B. Wheelock Collection. This publication highlights hundreds of exceptional works from the Nuna, Bwa, Bobo, and Mossi peoples, as well as notable pieces from the Lobi, Gurunsi, Winiama, and Lela communities. Through his collection and its documentation, Wheelock has left an enduring legacy that continues to honor and preserve the artistic traditions of Burkina Faso. See less