Antique African Lobi Staff With Double-Headed Finial With Custom Stand

Details

Description

Lobi Staff with Double-Headed Finial

Early 20th century

Carved hardwood with natural patina

Custom display stand included

Dimensions:

25.5"H × … Read more Lobi Staff with Double-Headed Finial

Early 20th century

Carved hardwood with natural patina

Custom display stand included

Dimensions:

25.5"H × 6"W × 6"D (65 × 15 × 15 cm)

Description:

This staff originates from the Lobi people of Burkina Faso, featuring a masterfully carved double-headed figure at its apex. The work demonstrates:

- Classic Lobi sculptural conventions with geometric abstraction

- Rich, naturally acquired surface patina from ritual use

- Original tool marks visible in the hardwood

Condition:

- Stable with expected wear from ceremonial use

- Surface cracks consistent with age and material

- Custom stand provided for conservation-grade display

Provenance:

Thomas G.D. Wheelock Collection, 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