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Rattle (Shekere)

Mahongwe Reliquary "Bwete" Rattle

Eastern Gabon
Mahongwe

Brass, Wood, Fiber
ca. Mid-20th century

Height: 28 cm
Idiophone - Struck Indirectly - Shaken

This ceremonial rattle features the classic Mahongwe reliquary (also called Ossyeba) snake-like face, fashioned from copper binding and brass wires,incorporated onto the body of a hand held rattle. The elongated hand grip middle is composed of securely bound wood strips that extend downward and flares into the lower rattle section. The seed in-cased bottom housing has been carefully crafted with a beautiful natural fiber woven binding. This type of instrument is used during ceremonies associated with formal burial rituals.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-204-25