An Attié command staff, Cote d'Ivoire, Akoupé region, the handle is shaped like a hornbill bird, with two masks carved onto the stick. Incl stand. “The eastern coast of the Ivory Coast comprises an area of lagoons, where the population is divided into twelve different language groups The cultural and stylistic unity of these people justifies grouping the, together for the purposes of this chapter. Before colonization, each village was autonomous and, when threatened, they united to form a ‘confederation’. Unusually, these people are not governed by chiefs, although a man’s social position is determined by his age.” An Attié (or Akyé) command staff is a traditional, often carved wooden symbol of authority, leadership, and prestige used by Akan-related peoples in Côte d'Ivoire. These, similar to Baule or Yombé staffs, often feature elaborate figures at the top, representing power, wisdom, or, in some cases, the "hand of power". Used by chiefs and leaders as a physical representation of their authority during ceremonies, meetings, and dances. These staffs are considered, particularly when showing significant patina of use, important, high-quality, and, indeed, very rare, objects of African traditional art. Lit.: Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. CAB30179