Staffs

The continuing importance of everyday objects, such as staffs, spoons, and milkpails, in the daily lives of the Southeast Africans cannot be over emphasized. A Zulu man, for example, never feels dressed if he goes out without one or two staffs, used both for walking and protection. Among the Basotho of Lesotho, carved sticks are used for didactic purposes, recounting historical events and activities of the past. Wirework details frequently found on staffs and sticks from the Southeast African region serve both to individualize them and to affirm the fact that they are among a man’s most valued personal possessions.