Cameroon Grasslands
Bamum

Metal, cowrie shells, cloth, braided raffia, wood
Mid 20th century
Length: 30 in, (Base) width: 17.75 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Metal Bells

Yuri Raskin states: “The art of Cameroon is in a great part, the art of a royal court that had a complex protocol and numerous rituals, and that exerts powerful influence upon the development of the plastic art in general.” 

This large double bell is possibly intended for palace ceremonies. The metal connecting brace joining the two bells is padded and covered with cloth adorned with cowrie shells. The bat (beater) is attached.