Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World
The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world
STYLE OF MAASAI
Club (rungu)
2005RCIN 144705
Maasai rungu are carried by male Maasai warriors and elders as emblems of status, often indicating authority to speak. They originated as throwing clubs, with heads made from extremely hard tree roots. Ceremonial rungu may be embellished gold, silver or ivory, while those made for popular trade are often decorated with coloured beads along the shaft, as here. This example was presented by Nicholas Sironka, a Kenyan-born Maasai artist based in the UK.
Presented to HM King Charles III by Nicholas Sironka, 2005
