This magnificent carved wood staff was created by a member of the Asante (also spelled Ashanti) tribe from Ghana. The Asante Kingdom was founded in 1701 by Osei Tutu with its capital at Kumasi. Comprised of seven matrilineal clans ruled by a king, or Asantehene, this African kingdom has been able to preserve much of its venerated traditions for over 250 years. This carved wood staff bears witness to the remarkable Asante sculptural tradition in its imaginative incorporation of a carved male figure in the centre of the staff. The figure's elongated body conforms brilliantly with the slender proportions of the staff, resulting in a work of art that is truly extraordinary. As we look closely at the male figure, our eye is drawn to his extended right arm, where we observe evidence of western influence in this African staff, for the figure holds a rifle beside his body. Although the Asante have retained much of their early tribal traditions, the subtle combining of local traditions with western influences makes this carved wood staff a unique representation of Asante art.