Staff God (Rarotonga, Cook Islands)

Definition

The staff god is a wooden sculpture from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It represents a deity or ancestral figure and is characterized by its elongated body with a head at each end and intricate carvings.

Related terms

Ancestral Worship: This term refers to the practice of honoring and revering one's ancestors as spiritual beings who continue to have influence and power.

Polynesian Art: This encompasses various art forms created by indigenous peoples of Polynesia, including woodcarving, tapa cloth making, tattooing, and more.

Ritual Objects: These are items used in religious or ceremonial practices to symbolize beliefs or facilitate rituals. The staff god is an example of such an object.