Wooden Walking Staff (Molamu) with Woven Telephone Wire – Sotho – Southern Africa Origin: Southern Africa (South Africa / Lesotho region) People: Sotho (Basotho) Type: Walking staff / Molamu Materials: Wood, recycled plastic-coated wire (probably telephone wire) Length: 87 cm Period: Circa 1960s Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s A particularly elegant Sotho wooden staff from Southern Africa, distinguished by its remarkably straight shaft, beautiful warm golden patina and finely woven decorative bands made from recycled, coloured electrical wire, most probably telephone wire. This example is especially interesting as an early expression of the creative use of industrial materials within a long-established Southern African decorative tradition. Wooden staffs have long held an important place in the material culture of Southern African communities, serving both practical and personal purposes. Among the Sotho, staffs known as molamu could also carry social and symbolic significance. The decoration of wooden staffs with woven copper or brass wire was already well established during the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the mid-20th century onwards, coloured, plastic-coated telephone wire increasingly offered new possibilities for decorative expression. This staff, dating from approximately the 1960s, illustrates that transition particularly well. Its long, perfectly straight wooden shaft has acquired a magnificent honey-coloured patina, with subtle darker grain markings and traces of prolonged handling. Four decorative bands are distributed at carefully spaced intervals along its length. Each band displays a different arrangement of coloured wires, delicately interwoven into intricate geometric patterns. The combinations of white, grey, brown, yellow, blue, pink and black create a lively but remarkably harmonious contrast with the natural wood. The workmanship is particularly attractive, with tightly arranged strands forming diagonal, chequered and interlaced motifs. The simplicity of the wooden form, combined with the precision and richness of the wire decorations, gives the object a striking visual balance. Beyond its ethnographic interest, this staff has a strong graphic and sculptural presence. It beautifully illustrates the ingenuity with which African makers incorporated newly available materials into traditional forms, transforming an everyday object into a highly individual expression of craftsmanship. An attractive and unusual example, appreciated for its elegant proportions, carefully executed decorative work, warm old patina and direct field provenance. Condition Good condition overall, with wear consistent with age and use. The wooden shaft retains its attractive golden-brown patina, with minor scratches, marks and natural surface irregularities. The coloured wire decorations are well preserved overall, with some wear and minor surface abrasions. Please refer carefully to the photographs, which form an integral part of the description. Included The wooden staff only. Display stand not included.