Zemanek-Münster

Initiation object

D. R. Congo, Lega
sold EUR 250
Provenance
Old Belgian Colonial Collection
Size
H: 17 cm
H: 6.7 inch

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

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today