An African Democratic Republic of Congo Zande wooden staff

An African Democratic Republic of Congo Zande wooden staff, carved a female and male mask, with three further masks either side, old honey brown patina with areas of poker-work, early 20th century, 41.25in (105cm) l. The Zande or Azande are neighbours to the Mangbetu and migrated to the northern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo from southern Sudan during the 18th century, settling on the banks of the Uele river and occupying a region of savannah and forest. They are ruled by a King with succession passing to the eldest male heir, the younger sons governing the Kingdom's provinces. These staffs are associated with the Yambio region which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Gbduwe. Mack (SSchildkrout and Keim 1990, 222-225) maintains these abstract sculptures were created as presentation pieces by Balanda artists who sought refuge in the court of King Gbudwe (died 1905) at the turn of the last century. A very similar staff, lot 163 Sotheby's, New York, November 17th 2006, The William W. Brill collection.