Necklace "mubanga"
D. R. Congo, Lega
not available anymore
Provenance
Franke, Stuttgart, GermanySize
L: 32,5 cm
L: 12.8 inch
Description
blue and white glass beads of different size, thread on plant fibre bast, eighteen animal teeth inbetween, an ivory pendant in form of a stylized half figure attached in the middle, min. dam., cracks through age, slight traces of abrasion;
the beaded necklace with one, two or an indefinite number of leopard teeth is a privilege of all initiates. It belongs to the “bwami” insignia (“bilondo”), public proclamations of rank and status within the “bwami” society.