Small slit gong · Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3035337
Description
wood, slightly shiny reddish brown patina with traces of black paint, in shape of a female figure, head with tripartite crested coiffure and decorating brass tags above the forehead, the slit-like opening accompanied by a second, smaller opening, slightly dam., abrasion, crack (base);
used at divination ceremonies to accompany ritual songs. The rectangular opening not just served as soundbox, but could contain magical mass as well.
The object Small slit gong with the object ID 3035337 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 150.
Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.