Initiation rattle "ntafu mahangu"
R. D. Congo, Bakongo
n'est plus disponible
Provenance
Yann Ferrandin, Paris, FranceTaille
H: 37 cm
H: 14.6 inch
Description
wood, spotty, slightly encrusted patina, carved with two figures arranged back-to-back, dam., missing parts (right arm), traces of insect caused damage, traces of abrasion;
this rattle was an emblem for the initiation camps of young boys called “nkimba”. The back-to-back position stands for duality, refers to this world and the world of the spirits. The rattle was affixed on top of a vessel filled with water symbolizing the passage from the world of the living into the world of the dead.