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Rattle (Shekere)Luba Rattle w/3-Gourds (#1)Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) Wood and Pods (Small Calabash) Height: 10 inches; Diameter: 2 inches This charming rattle is composed of a carved wooden handle surmounting a series of three calabash nuts (pods)attached to a wooden rod. The handle is carved in the image of a typical Luba fetish sculpture. The figure stands with his hands held alongside his swollen belly, reflecting his spiritual fertility. Such a pose is characteristic of the ancestral statues of several African tribes. The charming face is rendered in characteristic Luba fashion with a prominent rectangular mouth, large flat triangular nose, and a square chin. This sculpture is not meant to communicate with otherworldly spirits or to heal the sick, it is meant to make music. Shaking this rattle in our hands we are overcome by the primeval tribal rhythms contained within us. We can imagine a fantastic parade of drummers and masked dancers.
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| © Hartenberger World Music Collection |
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