Nigeria  (Lower Niger Bronze Industry)

Igbo-Ukwu

Copper alloy
ca. 15th-19th century

Height: 13 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly

This Igbo-Ukwu cast metal bell in copper alloy may have been part of a shrine’s paraphernalia as an altar bell.  It has a looped strap handle and spherical clapper hung from a chain inside. The face has prominent features including scarification patterns on the face, bulging eyes, two heavy brow lines, and a small bird in relief on the forehead. Dark patina with traces of verdigris showing signs of use and age. This bell, cast by the lost-wax method, is attributed by scholars to the “Lower Niger Bronze Industry” style, an interim designation coined by William Fagg in 1959.  It was purchased from Bonham Skinner, Boston.