Africa, Republic of Benin, Fon peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An impressive and rare wood short staff displaying the hand-carved figure of a chameleon on one side and a left hand on the other. Coated in vibrant hues of green and pink, the lovely reptile exhibits a long body, four legs with claw-like feet, and a sinuous coiled tail. A series of incised dots decorates the cute creature's body, representing its scaly skin. The adorable animal's large head features a pair of conical eyes and a sizable open mouth. Alternatively, the hand at the other end of the staff is naturalistically carved with slender fingers and lengthy fingernails. The palm of the hand is rendered in careful detail, with incised palm lines and folds of the knuckles exhibited on each finger. The body of the staff showcases a lovely decorative motif of a central spherical embellishment incised with a zigzag design surrounded by a series of protruding rings. Size: 14.875" L x 1.75" W (37.8 cm x 4.4 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Known for its unique ability to change its color, the chameleon is a common symbol of transformation throughout West Africa. The creature's transformative nature is shown here via the green and red hues throughout its body. The spiral of the creature's coiled tail, also seen in this example, is another important symbolic motif representing the passage of time. As in most representations of chameleons in African cultures, here the reptile's tail curls curiously upwards, while in nature it curls down.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#162215

Collection label on side. Nail of pinky finger has been reattached. Stable fissures throughout, as well as a few nicks and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, very nice with excellent remaining pigments.