The primary use of long staffs like this was purely practical; they served as walking companions when their pastoralist-owners covered long distances accompanying their cattle in search of new pastures. The tall height of this staff indicates the elevated status or special function of the man who owned it. Carved from one piece of wood, its spherical knob finial and the geometric designs incorporated into its shaft decoration—consisting of spiraling segments and chain links—demonstrate its maker’s superior skills.