Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell") ·  Nigeria, Igala · ID: 3049116

Description

copper alloy (bronze, brass),

These bells are mainly associated with the Igala Kingdom.

They were kept in ancestor shrines belonging to titled clan leaders, where they could be used to “call” the ancestors and petition their aid. Even today, similar bells can be found in the treasure of the Ata (king) of Idah.

Beyond the Igala, this particular kind of bell has been documented among a number of Lower and Middle Benue peoples and others in southeastern Nigeria.

The object Bell “okpogo ilo” (“Igala bell”) with the object ID 3049116 was part of the auction 99th Auction on November 12, 2022. The object with the lot number 79 achieved a sales price of EUR 950 with an asking price of EUR 800.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 202 ff.