Power Stick / Scepter – Wood – Kuyu – Congo

Striking Kuyu scepter / power stick from DR Congo.
Kuyu society is spiritually dominated by the rituals and ideology connected to the Ottote secret organization. All the wood art products of the Kuyu were made for the ceremonies of this organization. The figures are said to have been placed on two meter long poles in what seems to have been a marionet performance with dances and songs. The tops of the figures were embellished with tufts of feathers. The purpose of this theatrical festival was to honour the mythical snake called Ebongo, the creator of mankind. The Kebe – Kebe shows a striking realism with open eyes and a mouth with two rows of teeth. The face bears tribal markings; the hairdo is intricate and the colours are bright.

Certain objects (power sticks, scepters, fly swatters, etc.) are exclusive attributes of the function of chief or king, a set of objects that we call re galia . These are the material symbols of the chief’s power.

Command staffs or scepters have always been the insignia of African kings. In some cases, they may also have played the role of phallic symbols evoking notions of power and fertility, in association with royalty.

The scepter was so important in symbolizing royal power that even when it was not in the hands of the sovereign, it was shown the respect due to the leader.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands. Including custom made stand.