"This extermely rare ceremonial scepter was a definitive mark of status and association amongst the Luba. The form suggests it was worn over the shoulder, like a ceremonial axe. The man-bird head identifies this scepter as an emblem of the Kasandji society." (Sotheby's) "This society was a healing society that worked in tandem with royal Bilumbu diviners..." (Roberts & Roberts 1996:180)

Provenance:
Sotheby's New York, May 19, 2000: lot 70.
Baudouin de Grunne, Brussels (#363)
Paul Guillaume, Paris 1935

Publishing History:
Roberts and Roberts. Memory: Luba Art and the Making of History. New York. The Museum for African Art, 1996: cat.74.

Exhibition History:
Memory: Luba Art and the Making of History 1966: cat.74 seen at The Museum for African Art, New York February 2-September 8, 1996 and the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, October 30, 1996-January 1997.