Bronze Figure Bell
Item
Accession Number
2024.13.
Title
Bronze Figure Bell
Ethnic Group
Yoruba
Subject
Sculptural Object|Ritual|West Africa
Country
Nigeria
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Bronze
Format
H x W x D: 13 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in x 3 3/4 in (34.29 cm x 8.89 cm x 9.525 cm)
Description
The bronze cast bell depicts a figure with its arms resting across the abdomen, and eyes closed. The head of the figure is enlarged, carved to meld with the overall shape of the bell. On either side of the figure is a relief of a feather angle upwards towards the handle fo the bell. The handle is thin, extending upwards within minimal decoration. In Yoruba practices, bells are often used to commemorate ancestors.
Type
Bell