Jean-pierre Dutilleux Collection

KAYAPÓ CEREMONIAL ROCK (MEBÊNGÔKRE)

EXEMPLAIR REPORTED AS HAVING BELONGED TO CHIEF RAONI
Brazilian Amazonia, Upper Xingu region
XXᵉ century
Height: 30 cm

DESCRIPTION

High-quality ceremonial rattle (maraca), composed of a carefully hollowed natural calabash mounted on a finely turned hardwood handle.

The surface of the calabash features engraved and enhanced geometric decoration, consisting of linear and cruciform motifs characteristic of the graphic vocabulary of the Kayapó (Mebêngôkre). These motifs, directly linked to the group's body-painting systems and identity codes, bear witness to a strong symbolic charge.

The top is adorned with a plant fastener embellished with feathers, a vestige of a ritual assembly that is now partially preserved. A fiber ligature joins the calabash to the handle, while a lanyard held the object in place during performances.

The whole piece has an old, homogeneous patina, confirming its actual use in a ceremonial context.

FUNCTION AND CONTEXT

At Kayapó, the ceremonial rattle plays an essential role in collective rituals. It accompanies songs, marks the rhythm of dances and plays a part in the speeches of authority figures.

Beyond its sound function, it constitutes an object of power, participating in the staging of the chief's speech and presence.

PROVENANCE

Collection Jean-Pierre Dutilleux

Object collected during field missions in the Brazilian Amazon.

According to an attestation issued as part of the collection, this example is reported to have belonged to Chief Raoni, an emblematic figure of the Kayapó people.

EXHIBITION

"MONDE PREMIER", Belgium, 2018

NOTE

Objects directly linked to Chief Raoni, due to his international stature and central role in the defense of the indigenous peoples of Amazonia, remain extremely rare on the market.

This piece is part of this restricted set of objects with strong historical, symbolic and collectible significance.