Featured Unusual Carved Walking stick

Hi everyone,

I've come across this unusual walking stick for sale. I think it's possibly African. I'm curious if the carvings have any particular meaning or if it's just decorative?
Also, do you think it's antique?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

@2manybooks ?

 

Your walking stick is from Zimbabwe. The figure at the top represents the mythical Nyami Nyami. This site gives an explanation of the legend, and some of the motifs on the stick:
https://www.zambezi.com/blog/2013/nyaminyami-spirit-zambezi-river/



I believe these are relatively recent souvenir carvings. (Google "nyami nyami walking stick" and you will find quite a few.) Yours looks like it may be carved from jacaranda wood, a fast growing species originally from Brazil that has been established in plantations in East Africa, including Zimbabwe. It is used for a variety of useful and decorative objects.

https://www.makweti.com/art/legend-of-the-nyami-nyami-walking-stick/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127801...AbM2kJOeyUZacNMdCnIZD54z7D0M_PycaAh17EALw_wcB

 

That's fab, thanks so much for the info.

 

I see do these (or very similar) every now and then in secondhand and charity shops. In fact I was in a charity shop last week that had one but it was damaged. Many times they seem to be damaged or broken.

 

I was going to say definitely African by figures in 3rd pic.
If not old/really valuable a quick stain would make that cane/walking stick POP!
The carvings are an example of why I've come to love art so much - the fact that someone can take what's in their head & create that (or a painting, etc) is astounding to me; All my attempts at art look like stick figures!

 

I agree with you Journey!

(Even my stick figures aren't good!)

 

I agree with you Judy. Even my stick figures are shameful. I’m very jealous of anyone who can skillfully recreate what’s in their heads visually.

 

I'm in good Company...............