Galerie Peter Herrmann
-
Ancient Art from Africa
 
previous
  To main page Bronzes  
next
 
Snake Head
Linie
Thermoluminescence - Expertise Bell - Ogboni

to Expertise

Yoruba, Nigeria
Bronze
17th century
42 cm

Edited in the net since September 2025
Linie Grau

Linie
Description

This bell from the Ogboni Confederacy can only be described imprecisely. It was probably used in court proceedings. The mallet inside is missing and there are no signs of use.

A woman sits with a bowl in her hands on a stylised male face with the traditional tattooing of three lines at the corners of the mouth and forehead, with striking, protruding eyes typical of the Yoruba. The bowl contains a Klos or a fruit. Other striking features are leaf-shaped decorations on the stomach, breasts and shoulders. To the left and right of the mouth are small objects that cannot be interpreted with certainty. The stylised leaves could be a twig that she is carrying across her mouth. This would be a reference to a high-ranking personality who is forbidden to speak in public. Apart from tattoos on her thighs and jewellery, the woman is naked.


The left leg and the part of the bell where the foot was attached are missing. It probably corroded and then took a blow.




nach oben
deutsch