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Rattle Adornment

Chief Bronze Head with Bells

Nigeria
Yoruba

Bronze
Mid-20th century

Height: 28.75cm / Length: 10cm / Width: 12.5cm
Idiophone - Struck Indirectly - Shaken

The Yoruba have numerous deities that are honored by placing objects on shrines to honor the gods and the ancestors. In some Yoruba regions certain chiefs, including the king were required by custom to have a cast image made of himself. This was worn by his successor in the ceremonial processions, after his death. It hung from the right shoulder and rested on the left hip. The bells rang to announce his presence.

 

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Catalog#: AF-IDST-246-30