Bell
One of six ritual bells likely acquired by FP Pinkett 1895 - 1911.
According to their style, these ritual face bells were probably produced in Ijebu-Ode by the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria. Ijebu-Ode was a major centre for copper alloy ‘lost-wax casting’, meaning these bells were cast from original sculpture.
Although not strictly musical instruments, the sound of the bells had an important function to announce the presence of powerful authority figures. A mark of the wearer’s rank and power, each bell would have been worn at the left hip with a sash over the right shoulder.
This bell features an interesting design, with snakes curling out of the nostrils and a small frog protruding from the mouth. These ancient symbols could represent spiritual transformation, or could possibly signify curses.
According to their style, these ritual face bells were probably produced in Ijebu-Ode by the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria. Ijebu-Ode was a major centre for copper alloy ‘lost-wax casting’, meaning these bells were cast from original sculpture.
Although not strictly musical instruments, the sound of the bells had an important function to announce the presence of powerful authority figures. A mark of the wearer’s rank and power, each bell would have been worn at the left hip with a sash over the right shoulder.
This bell features an interesting design, with snakes curling out of the nostrils and a small frog protruding from the mouth. These ancient symbols could represent spiritual transformation, or could possibly signify curses.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 1/1993/6
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Religion and magic
- Collection Area Region
- W
- Material
- cast copper alloyiron
- Common Name
- bell
- Simple Name
- bell
- Production Town
- Ijebu Ode
- Production County
- SW Nigeria
- Production Country
- Nigeria
- Production Year High
- 1911
