Gabon
Kota (‘Shango’)

Metal-copper, wood, fiber rope
Early-Mid 20th century
Length:  19.5 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Metal Bell

The Kota live on the eastern side of Gabon, on the frontier with the Republic of Congo.  They are comprised of several small tribes such as the Mahongwe, the Sango, the Obamba, and the Shamaye, who all practice similar ceremonies.  This ritual head bell comes from the Sango people.  Their stylized bells and statues have a small, elongated head without any flanges or coiffure.  This Shango bell has a double-faced head (janus) as the finial.