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Bell, Metal

Yoruba Obgoni Bell

Southwestern Nigeria, Bénin
Yoruba

Bronze
Possibly late 19th century

Height: 7.5 inches
Idiophone - Struck Directly

Possibly an Ogboni (also known as Osugbo in Ijèbú) bell. The Ogboni society of the Yoruba people, fulfills a number of political, judicial, and spiritual functions. Yoruba bells of this type have a function among the Ogboni society, however their exact use is not clearly known. This bell may date back to the middle or latter part of the 19th century. Provenance for Don Peck Collection.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-47-4