Featured Hand Carved Wooden Cane

I have a Hand Carved Wooden Cane that I am curious about. It may be African, I don't know. No info as to its history. It is constructed of one piece of very hard and heavy dark wood. It measures approx. 39” Long. The Surfaces are very smooth and in my eye it has seen considerable use and normal wear and has some age to it. My primary questions are where it may have been carved and if the original owner may have been notable in some way. Detailed photographs attached. I

 

I can't help but that looks very nicely done!!!

 

Its beautiful .

 

that's stunning....and while it may be considered a piece for a high born village member.....it also looks to new to be an antique or to have been used by a tribal elder.... imho

 

It looks to be nicely carved. Being in Africa I really see alot of this type of thing around made for the tourist and souvenir market. Then ending up in secondhand shops (however this one looks to be of good or better quality) It also looks fairly new (but Iam no expert) How long have you had it?

More knowledgeable members might know the region or country of origin. I still think nicely done souvenir for display.

 

& that's why we luv ya..........

 

or at least, having a member...in country !!!

 

Beautiful, and I agree somewhere in Africa. @2manybooks ?

Ditto. And for use.
I have a Makonde walking stick/cane which I have used on occasion. Mine has a classic Makonde head, and a snake with inlaid eyes coiled around the cane.

 

It's a great walking stick, no matter how long ago it was carved!

 

I agree that it is very nice work, and African.

Your description of the wood as dark and heavy suggests ebony, or African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon/Mpingo), which is used by Makonde carvers of Mozambique and Tanzania. But the elongated faces are not the typical style of Makonde figures. It more closely resembles contemporary carvings coming out of neighboring Zambia. I have not been able to determine a specific tribal affiliation of such carvings yet.

https://www.zano.gr/en/product/ornate-african-wood-carving-from-zambia/

https://shopbwana.com/product/ck23cmbfi0v8l01142rxncd0h
(Kubu Crafts is located in the Zambian capitol of Lusaka)

 

Some more info of interest:

https://www.siyabona.com/explore-victoria-falls-african-arts.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275321835805

https://www.yourafricansafari.com/articles/buying-wood-carvings-in-africa-what-to-look-for/

 

(Sorry, post duplicated)