Ethnic Walking Stick Appraisal

Hand-Carved African Elephant Motif Walking Stick

This is a continuous, single-piece hand-carved walking stick or staff, likely originating from East or West Africa, possibly Kenya or Tanzania. The piece is crafted from a medium-toned hardwood, exhibiting a rich natural grain and a warm honey-brown finish. The handle is uniquely shaped as an open, rounded rectangle, forming a comfortable grip that transitions into a sophisticated central decorative section. This section features a detailed carving of a standing elephant with its trunk lowered, supported by two traditional stylized masks or faces stacked vertically. Below the figurative carvings is an openwork geometric cage containing a loose revolving wooden ball, a characteristic showcase of technical skill in traditional wood carving. The lower shaft tapers to a slender point. The construction appears sturdy, though the wood exhibits some minor drying cracks and surface abrasions consistent with age and use. The craftsmanship suggests a 20th-century origin, likely created as a functional art piece for the tourist trade or local prestige. Small nicks are visible on the sharp edges of the mask carvings, but overall structural integrity remains sound with no evidence of major repair.