Ritual Bell - Mahongwé Culture, Kota, North-east Of Gabon - First Half Of The 20th Century

Ritual Bell - Mahongwé Culture, Kota, North-east Of Gabon - First Half Of The 20th Century-photo-3

Ritual Bell - Mahongwé Culture, Kota, North-east Of Gabon - First Half Of The 20th Century-photo-4

Object description :

"Ritual Bell - Mahongwé Culture, Kota, North-east Of Gabon - First Half Of The 20th Century"

RITUAL BELL
Mahongwe culture, Kota, North-East Gabon
First half of the 20th century
Iron and brass
H. 30.5 ; W 10 ; D 5.5 cm

Ritual bell with a janiform anthropomorphic figure in the upper part, covered with brass inserts nailed to the wooden blade that forms the handle of the instrument. The body is made of iron.
This miniature figure is reminiscent of the reliquary guardians known as mbulu-ngulu, which can be translated as 'the image of the spirit'.

This bell was used to invoke the spirits on the occasion of initiation rites or major societal decisions.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 3032

Price: 6 800 €