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Rattle (Shekere)

Hemba Monkey Rattle

Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Hemba

Wood, Vegetal Material, Metal, Pebbles
ca. Mid-20th century

Height: 39.5 cm
Idiophone - Struck Indirectly - Shaken

The Hemba are divided into large clans, which, by definition, are families with a common ancestor. The hereditary chief of each clan renders justice and has the privilege of receiving numerous gifts. The Hemba practice ancestor worship to justify the present authority and power of the chief of the clan. The veneration of ancestors is an important feature of life in large Hemba families. Splendid sculpture with traditional Hemba monkey figure dark brown patina. See provenance

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-190-23