Zepter - Tutsi - Rwanda (No reserve price)
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Two Tutsi ceremonial scepters from Ruanda, with a hardwood core and white and red glass-bead embroidery, dating to the mid-20th century, 56.2 cm (Ø 3.5 cm) and 54.5 cm (Ø 4.0 cm) long, provenance Galerie/Antiquitätenhändler, sold without a stand.
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Description from the seller
Two scepters, mid-20th century
Tutsi — Rwanda — wood embroidered with beads
These are two beautiful ceremonial scepters or status staffs of the Tutsi culture (or related tribes) from Central or East Africa from the mid-20th century. These ceremonial objects combine traditional East African wood carving with the highly developed glass bead embroidery, which in the region was historically reserved mainly for the aristocracy and royal elite. The Tutsi are known for their geometric aesthetics, which are also found in their textile and beadwork.
The scepters consist at their core of hardwood. (This was often wrapped with plant fibers or fabric) On this, the white and red glass beads are sewn in zigzag forms.
Objects of this kind served as visible signs of prestige, social status and ritual authority of the elite. The scepters are symbols of status and sovereignty and were carried by high-ranking individuals, elders or dignitaries at ceremonial occasions, dances or gatherings to demonstrate authority and prestige.
Hardwood, white and red glass beads
1 56.2 cm — Ø 3.5 cm
2 54.5 cm — Ø 4.0 cm
1 Damage at base
2 two parts with partial loss of glass beads
Two scepters, mid-20th century
Tutsi — Rwanda — wood embroidered with beads
These are two beautiful ceremonial scepters or status staffs of the Tutsi culture (or related tribes) from Central or East Africa from the mid-20th century. These ceremonial objects combine traditional East African wood carving with the highly developed glass bead embroidery, which in the region was historically reserved mainly for the aristocracy and royal elite. The Tutsi are known for their geometric aesthetics, which are also found in their textile and beadwork.
The scepters consist at their core of hardwood. (This was often wrapped with plant fibers or fabric) On this, the white and red glass beads are sewn in zigzag forms.
Objects of this kind served as visible signs of prestige, social status and ritual authority of the elite. The scepters are symbols of status and sovereignty and were carried by high-ranking individuals, elders or dignitaries at ceremonial occasions, dances or gatherings to demonstrate authority and prestige.
Hardwood, white and red glass beads
1 56.2 cm — Ø 3.5 cm
2 54.5 cm — Ø 4.0 cm
1 Damage at base
2 two parts with partial loss of glass beads
Details
Number of objects
2
Ethnic group/ culture
Tutsi
Country of Origin
Rwanda
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Embroidery, Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Zepter
Height
56.2 cm
Width
3.5 cm
Depth
3.5 cm
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Sold by
