Nigeria
Yoruba

Copper alloy
Late 19th or Early 20th century
Height:   4.75 in
Idiophone-Struck Directly – Metal Bell

This cast brass/bronze bell was created by royal metal casters of the Yoruba people. The method used to create it is called “cire perdue” or “lost wax,” which was developed by the ancient Yoruba culture, called the Ife. This bell was possibly used in special Yoruba initiation ceremonies.  This is a very rare example created by a master craftsperson with two rows of detailed bead designs vertical on the bell and larger spaced beads between the two rows.  The size of the bell and the wear on the handle indicates that it may have been worn by initiates.