A Rare South African, Northern Nguni Prestige Staff
( South Africa
1800 to 1900
)
Medium
Wood and wirework
Dimensions
104.00cm high
( 40.94 inches high)
Literature:
Amongst the Zulu speaking peoples the wearing of a headring symbolised a man's age and status and lent him dignity and decorum. It was also a sign of marriage. In the 19th century Zulu men were only allowed to marry after having served as warriors in the Royal regiments of the King. Each regiment was age related and for this reason many men did not marry until after the age of thirty. Upon the granting of Royal permission, and their subsequent release from the army, they were allowed to marry and could take up wearing a headring as a symbol of their maturity.
Description / Expertise
A Rare South African, Northern Nguni Prestige Staff
Bound with alternating bands of brass and steel wire
Late 19th Century
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