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ID #SA1092011
FOR SALE
£595
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2 Large African Bronze Yoruba Tribal Staff,c1920
Curious Antiques
for sale €696     $756
£595

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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2 Large African Bronze Yoruba Tribal Staff,c1920

1900 - 1920
For Sale by Curious Antiques
Description

Two early 20th century African bronze tribal staff,c1920. Most probably from the Yoruba tribal area (Nigeria/Benin) these are high quality prestige pieces which would have been carried at important ceremonies and traded as currency when required. Not quite a pair as there are subtle differences between the two. Both have well cast statues of male figures as the handles one with arms clasped and the other with arms by their side. There are also subtle differences to the shaft and main body. Both are in good condition, one has one of its 3 rivets missing between the shaft and base but this is very minor and doesn't affect the structural integrity of the piece. The metal has taken on great colour following years of handling and use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 47cm tall x 10cm wide x 4cm deep; 46cm tall x 9cm wide x 4cm deep, combined weight 1.2kg.

Physical Dimensions
Height
47cm (18.50")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Declaration

Curious Antiques has dated this African Yoruba Bronze Staff to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1092011
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Two early 20th century African bronze tribal staff,c1920.
“
Most probably from the Yoruba tribal area (Nigeria/Benin) these are high quality prestige pieces which would have been carried at important ceremonies and traded as currency when required.
Curious Antiques

Not quite a pair as there are subtle differences between the two. Both have well cast statues of male figures as the handles one with arms clasped and the other with arms by their side. There are also subtle differences to the shaft and main body. Both are in good condition, one has one of its 3 rivets missing between the shaft and base but this is very minor and doesn't affect the structural integrity of the piece. The metal has taken on great colour following years of handling and use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 47cm tall x 10cm wide x 4cm deep; 46cm tall x 9cm wide x 4cm deep, combined weight 1.2kg.

Height
47cm (18.50")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this African Yoruba Bronze Staff to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1092011
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades.
1 / 11
Archive I A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades.

2 Large African Bronze Yoruba Tribal Staff,c1920

Archive II A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View II
Archive III A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View III
Archive IV A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View IV
Archive V A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View V
Archive VI A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View VI
Archive VII A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View IX
Archive X A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View X
Archive XI A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades. View XI
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 140
Items Sold 369
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
140
Sold
369
A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades.
2 Large African Bronze Yoruba Tribal Staff,c1920
Ref: SA1092011
A pair of cast bronze Yoruba ceremonial staffs featuring sculpted human figures as finials above flat, patterned brass blades.
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FAQs

Yoruba bronze staffs, often associated with the Ogboni society or royal courts in West Africa, serve as symbols of authority, spiritual connection, and judicial power. Traditionally cast using the lost-wax method, these pieces represent ancestors or deities through distinct figurative iconography.

These items were predominantly crafted using the lost-wax (cire perdue) casting technique with bronze or brass alloys. Artisans created detailed wax models over clay cores, which were encased in clay moulds, melted out, and replaced with molten metal.

Authentic period pieces exhibit characteristic surface wear, natural patination, and minor casting irregularities consistent with hand production. Look for traditional stylistic elements such as detailed facial scarification, elongated features, and signs of natural oxidisation in recessed areas.

Position these sculptural elements upright on bespoke metal mounting stands on a library bookshelf or console table. Alternatively, mount them framed within deep shadow boxes on a neutral painted wall to highlight their geometric openwork patterns and metallic texture.

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry camel-hair brush to clean recessed details without removing the aged patina. Avoid applying chemical polishers or abrasive cleaners, which strip historical patination and compromise the metal surface.
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