Initiation object ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3035994

Description

bone (elephant?), surmounted by a conical knob, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
pegs in ivory or bone are widely used in higher initiations where small configurations of objects are displayed within a sacred fence. They replace porcupine quills used for the same purpose at lower grades. In the “kasilembo” rites pegs are used as percussion instruments, and in some other rituals they symbolize a spear brandished by an agressive person.

Comparing literature

Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brussels 2002, p. 218, ill. 170