Nigeria
Yoruba

Bronze bell / lost wax casting
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 5.125 in, Width: 3 in, Depth: 3 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Metal Bell with clapper

A bronze Yoruba bell that is placed on the altar.  It is cast from the ‘lost wax’ method.  Extensive cross stitching design surrounds the bottom and on top are two designs, one a cross stitch and the other a rolling wave of rope design, possible to symbolize water.  A plan ring is at the top and there is a clapper inside. Altar bells were rung by the descendants, in order to summons the ancestor to listen to prayers and share in the offerings.