Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell") ·  Nigeria, Igala / Igbo · ID: 3048042

Description

copper alloy (bronze, brass), small missing part in the cast, cracks, rest.

Based on historical references and oral testimony, this bell type is known as the “igala” bell, referring to the Igala Kingdom.

The elliptical bell was associated with royalty and high status. It was often employed to “call” the ancestors and petition their aid for some human need. Today the regalia of the (“Ata”) of Idah includes bells, at least two of which typify the “Igala” bell.

The object Bell “okpogo ilo” (“Igala bell”) with the object ID 3048042 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 217 achieved a sales price of EUR 850.

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Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 203