The owner of this staff, like the owners of all Luba staffs, was recognized as having supernatural powers. The Janus heads on this staff refer to Mpanga and Mbanze, twin spirits of Luba kingship whose two-way gaze suggests clairvoyance. The two pairs of horns refer to the medicine that gave the staff's owner similar supernatural powers.
Catalogue Description:
Wooden staff: at top is high rectangular shape with incised geometric patterns resting on a head with carved features; below the head is a long narrow shaft that buldges out equally on two sides near the bottom. This curved form is decorated with geometric patterns and narrows down to a pointed terminal. The staff has superficial nicks and scratches overall and is in good condition. Its metal tip has fallen off and returned to staff. It could fall off again.
