Democratic Republic of Congo
Vili

Wood, braided raffia
Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 15 inches x Width: 5.5 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Wooden Bell with three clappers

This Vili ‘dibu’ (hunting bell) shows an anthropomorphic finial standing on top of a wooden gong with three clappers. The male figure is carved with his head held up as if looking above and both of his arms are cut short. The elaborate carving on the bell indicates that this instrument was used by a Vili ritual specialists, or naganga.  Associated with hunting practice, the dibu (plural madibu) is commissioned by men to be made and strapped around the necks of their dogs during the hunt.  However, this figurative dibu was most like used by a naganga.  When sounded by the nganga, the dibu functions as a mystical percussive instrument that alludes to the dogs’ heightened sensory abilities.

It has a dark patina throughout with signs of handling around the torso of the figure on top and the barrel of the noisemaker. There is some leftover fabric and cord around the barrel. This was probably where a cord was attached for carrying.   Provenance:  US Diplomat – Mark Schulman, Washington, DC