Fly whisk ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3035380

Description

wood, shiny reddish brown patina, handle in form of a human head with tribe-typical headgear, an animal tail fixed by metal wire, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, socle;
the originally pure functional use has developed in a highly decorative style, it became a prestige object. We may say that it is no longer a fly whisk but an emblem of power, a symbol of authority. These so-called “fly whisks” are part of the regalia of a chief or other political leader.