Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World
The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world
MAORI
Walking stick or orator's staff (tokotoko)
c. 1901RCIN 69421
A carved, polished Maori wooden walking stick with a plain lower half, the upper half carved in the form of two stylised heads with haliotis-shell eyes and a standing figure. The figure rests its three-fingered hands on its stomach and its elongated head forms the crook of the stick, which terminates in another stylised face with protruding tongue.
This walking stick or orator's staff is known as a tokotoko. It is a symbol of authority, usually held during formal speeches.
This walking stick or orator's staff is known as a tokotoko. It is a symbol of authority, usually held during formal speeches.