Gong Beater (#2) - Baule People - Ivory Coast

Price: $285.00


 


Elaborate gong beaters the Baule call lawle, are sculpted with multiple images of humans, animals, masks & geometric designs. The lawle are used by komien, professional spirit mediums who perform divinations. After rigorous training that can take several yearsto complete, a medium is conditioned to enter a trance to the steady beating of the small iron gong. The diviner usually enters the trance indoors, before he or she proceeds to the public space where the cosultation is to be held. During the session which may last several hours, the medium holds the gong & lawle, striking it if the trance begins to wear off. While possessed, the medium speaks with the voices of various nature spirits. Cures prescribed by komien are often remarkably effective in combating both physical & psychological ills.

12"H x 1"W x 2.5"D