Two dance clubs "ebongo" · D. R. Congo, Kuyu · ID: 3043492
not available anymore
Provenance
American Private Collection, New YorkSize
H: 24 cm/26 cm
H: 9.4 inch/10.2 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, rich ornamental decor, slightly dam., minor missing parts (partly insect caused), cracks, both mounted on pedestal.
Used for the so-called “kébé-kébé” snake dance, which finished the initiation of young boys.The head sculptures were attached to staffs, which the dancers held high above their heads. Their bodies were completely concealed by long costumes and the heads abundantly decorated with feathers. After the dance, the clubs were plugged into wooden figures, which were decorated likewise.
Comparing literature
Kerchache, Jacques & Jean-Louis Paudrat u.a., Die Kunst des Schwarzen Afrika, Freiburg, Basel, Wien 1988, p. 579
Publications
AHDRC: 0150625