A staff, or abong holds deep symbolic weight in the Dinka culture. They are carved by hand from native hardwoods with intricate carvings that represent authority, wisdom and pastoral leadership. The status that they symbolise helps to command respect and maintain order.

These walking sticks have multitude of traditional uses, during communal dances, initiation rites, dispute resolutions and sacred staffs are carried by spiritual leaders to mediate between people and the divine, acting as custodians of peace and community wellbeing.