Gong Beater

Baule Gong Beater (F)-Lawle w/Gong

Ivory Coast
Baule

Wood, Metal, Rope, Cloth
ca. Mid-20th century

Height: 11.5 inches
Idiophone - Struck Directly - Gong Beater - Metal Gong

This small wooden gong beater ("lawle") with its metal gong comes from the Baule people of the Ivory Coast. Iron gongs would be beaten with the sculpted hammer by religious priests or shaman, men or women locally known as "Komien," the title given to diviners among the Baule. This well sculpted striker reflects not only technical skill to shape the beater end into a sculpted form but also to carve the handle into a figural motif. This is the highly developed aesthetic sense of form and design of the Baule people. Signs of age and usage.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-108F-12

© Hartenberger World Music Collection