Zemanek-Münster
Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell"), Nigeria, Igala, Size: H: 22 cm (H: 8.7 inch), ID: 3049116
Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell"), Nigeria, Igala, Size: H: 22 cm (H: 8.7 inch), ID: 3049116 - 2/5 Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell"), Nigeria, Igala, Size: H: 22 cm (H: 8.7 inch), ID: 3049116 - 3/5 Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell"), Nigeria, Igala, Size: H: 22 cm (H: 8.7 inch), ID: 3049116 - 4/5 Bell "okpogo ilo" ("Igala bell"), Nigeria, Igala, Size: H: 22 cm (H: 8.7 inch), ID: 3049116 - 5/5
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Lot 79
99th Auction

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

sold EUR 950
Provenance
Ursula Heijs-Voorhuis, Sint Agatha, The Netherlands
Size
H: 22 cm
H: 8.7 inch

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.

Comparing literature

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

Africa

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