Cleveland Museum of Art

Scepter

Date

late 1800s–early 1900s

Medium

ivory

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of Congo, probably Kongo-style (Yombe sub-group) carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Used by male chiefs, ivory scepters were symbols of status indicating worldly authority and supernatural influence. The use of ivory implies that the chief has the fatal power of an elephant. The figurine shows a chief enthroned on the bound body of a criminal destined for such a death. A medicine package would have been enclosed within the container extending from the figure’s head, bestowing supernatural powers. Scepters often represent the chief sitting atop a bound prisoner or attribute to a violent death.

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