African Star Shaped Staff Top, Based

Somewhere ahead of the procession, a star on a pole.

Finials like this crowned staffs, poles and emblems carried along, a bright, readable sign of office or affiliation. This brass one, 20th century, has five crisply faceted points that catch the light along their ridges. It rises from a tapering conical socket pierced with a small hole for a pin. Soft golden tone, scattered dark spots, wear where hands have held it. Nine inches tall on its stand.

Put it on a mantel. The room acquires a rank.