Bellow ·  R. D. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3037453

Description

wood, partly encrusted brown patina, blower with two large-sized air chambers surmounted by a human head, the membranes of animal skin, presumably moved by sticks now missing, as well as the terracotta cone at the bottom of the air pipe, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion, base;
such bellows were used by blacksmiths to ignite fire. The stylized human head and the two bowls looked upon as breasts form a female figure, standing as a symbol for the belief in metallurgy and forging as a kind of sexual intercourse.