Two bells ·  R. D. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3042049

Description

wood, brown patina, hourglass-shaped bell “kunda”, wooden clappers (partly missing), incised ornamental decor, seed capsules and animal horn attached to plant fibre cord, min. dam., slight traces of usage, b: 16,5 cm; h: 8 cm;
“kunda” is linked to the “nkisi” cult (cult of spirits), which is combined with song and dance and the treatment of the ill. “Kunda” enables the “nganga” to influence the spirits and impose his will on them.
“dibu”, of oval form, bulgy sides, five wooden clappers, decorated with fine grooved linear ornaments, attached animal horn, fine crack, traces of usage, h: 12 cm; b: 9 cm; base;
these bells should guarantee a good hunt and were used for healing rites as well.

Littérature comparée

Gansemans, Jos, Musical Instruments, Tervuren 2009, p. 143 Cogdell, Jacqueline, Turn up the Volume! University of California 1999, p. 267

Publications

AHDRC: 0139850