Iroquois (likely) Staff with Face, Early 19th Century

Iroquoise (likely)

Wood | Item 2273

While this may have been a cane, it more likely was a staff or talking stick for the Iroquois or an other tribe in the Northeast portion of the US. There is not much wear on the tip where the ground would hit it. Instead, it comes towards a point with minimal wear on the bottom. The “T” top portion keeps the staff from coming too easily out of one’s hand, but is not substantial enough to act as a support found more commonly on a cane. One side of the top has a very well carved frontal view of a face. Eyes of stone are framed by a brow, nose and indented mouth at the bottom. There is a label along the upper side that I can not decipher. The wood surface has great patina and wear. The lower 9″ has a darkened quality to the surface. This may come from the proximity to the ground, or possibly from the hand holding at the base, providing oils and such to attract dirt.