Nigeria
Benin

Bronze
Prior 20th century
Height: 10.25 
Idiophone – Struck Directly

This is a three-composite bell unit possible from the Edo speaking people of Benin.  Each of the lobe-shaped bells have a clapper inside and are constructed from iron sheets by a blacksmith specialist.   The bells each produce a distinctive pitch and were used in musical ensembles for dance and entertainment.  The origin of the single or multiple agogô (bell), now used throughout the world, can be traced back to these bells used in the traditional Yoruba and Edo music.