Grassland region, in south-west Cameroon
Bamum

Wood, cloth fiber, cowrie shells
Mid 20th Century
Length: 17.325 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Bell, Wooden

The carving of the human heads with  details, that serves as a handle makes this an interesting example of sculptural form serving as a ritual/musical instrument. Yuri Raskin states:  “The attribution of Yoruba is made upon the form of the face and the facial features that are similar to Yoruba style. But this style is that of the Bamum of Cameroon where wooden bells such as this were also found. The patina on this piece shows that the bell was extensively used in ceremonies. The two human heads facing opposite direction on the top shows that the bell was tied to chieftaincy. It enhances the prestige of this object used as an emblem of rank and part of regalia of priests and other dignitaries. Wooden bells are quite uncommon. They are played by tapping it with the beater as the one attached to this bell.”   Provenance: Yuri Raskin private African Art Collection, New Brunswick, NJ