Jean-pierre Dutilleux Collection, Raoni's Rattle

KAYAPÓ CEREMONIAL RATTLE (MEBÊNGÔKRE)

REPORTED BY DUTILLEUX AS HAVING BELONGED TO CHIEF RAONI

Brazilian Amazon, Upper Xingu region
20th century
Height: 30 cm

DESCRIPTION

High-quality ceremonial rattle (maraca), made from a natural gourd that has been carefully hollowed out and mounted on a finely turned hardwood handle.

The surface of the gourd features an engraved and raised geometric design, consisting of linear and cruciform motifs characteristic of the Kayapó (Mebêngôkre) artistic tradition. These motifs, directly linked to the group’s body-painting systems and identity codes, bear strong symbolic significance.

The top is adorned with a plant-based fastener embellished with feathers, a remnant of a ritual assembly that is now partially preserved. A fiber ligature connects the gourd to the handle, while a wrist strap allowed the object to be held during performances.

The entire piece exhibits a uniform patina from long-term use, confirming its actual use in a ceremonial context.

FUNCTION AND CONTEXT

Among the Kayapó, the ceremonial rattle plays an essential role in collective rituals. It accompanies songs, sets the rhythm of dances, and is used during speeches by authority figures.

Beyond its auditory function, it serves as an object of power, contributing to the staging of the chief’s speech and presence.

PROVENANCE

Jean-Pierre Dutilleux Collection

Object collected during fieldwork in the Brazilian Amazon.

According to a certificate issued as part of the collection, this specimen is reported to have belonged to Chief Raoni, an iconic figure of the Kayapó people.

EXHIBITION

“MONDE PREMIER,” Belgium, 2018

NOTE

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

This piece is part of this limited group of objects of great historical, symbolic, and collectible significance.