Ritual staff - Early-Dogon - Mali

A rare to find ceremonial staff, found in one of the burial caves in the Pays Dogon of Mali. These caves were used in ancient times to bury the dead. Many of the deceased were given ritual objects, like this ladder-staff. Very special is the small face carved into the top of the staff; quite unique in these items. From the early Dogon or even possibly from the Tellem period (16th-17th Cent.) Old insect damage and wood decay is visible. Very nice patina, typical for a long stay in caves. Collected in the Pays Dogon in the late 1990,s and from a private Dutch collection. On a nice stone socle. Dim.; 20 x 28cm, without the socle.