Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0042   CAS 0370-0042; Peyote staff
Category Ceremonial Items
Object Name Peyote staff
Culture unidentified Native American (Southwest Indian?)
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. unknown
County
Other Geographic Data Southwest US ?
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950s
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Wood
Description Carved cylindrical wooden staff that tapers very gradually toward one end before terminating in a short, socketed extension; Opposite end also tapers slightly and becomes 4-sided; At base of 4-sided section are carved various geometric designs, including straight and zigzag bands, arrows, crosses, crescents, and a zigzag line incorporation depictions of tipis or mountains; Carved designs are stained red and blue; Staff probably used during peyote religious ceremonies.
Dimensions (cm) Max Diam = 1.8, Length = 89.1