Simbo dance accessory(Makonde).
Mozambique.
Wood, 63 x 8 x 14 cm.
The Trustees of the British Museum, London.
Used as dance accessories in initiation celebrations, Makonde
men of all ages would make such decorative sticks called simbo
for themselves or they would commission a carver. Meant to best
capture the attention of other partcipants, the simbo were
designed to face outwards and balance comfortably on the arm
of the dancer. Here, the long, narrow nose and thick, flowing
beard of the finely carved head seem to represent a European.
“MIMIMA MAKAKA” is conspicuously engraved on the staff and
may indicate the name of the owner.