Description:

Latin America, Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna (Cuna) Indians, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A fine, hand-carved wooden healing staff with a slender body tapering to a flat bottom. The top of the staff has a discoid knob atop which stands a stylized anthropomorphic figure with delineated legs and a blocky head. Healing staves like this example are used to intimidate and drive away the "bonigana," a spiritual entity that the Kuna believe is a major cause of illness and disease, by acting as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual realms. Size: 1" W x 14.5" H (2.5 cm x 36.8 cm).

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970

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#130647

  • Condition: Minor abrasions to staff body and figural handle, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, and fabulous brown patina throughout.

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January 24, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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