Iron and braided natural fibre.
Used in West Africa as a form of currency primarily amongst the Yoruba and Chamba peoples of Nigeria, and the Bamileke people of Cameroon.
The ability to create with iron is somewhat magical, and requires both skill and the technique to smelt and forge iron.
The larger gong represents a new social
status of a person who has moved up the
social ladder and reached a higher rank.
This prestigious instrument, apart from its
symbolic meaning had a very high monetary value.
The ringing of bells and gongs were
used to call the spirits
or ancestors to sanctify the ceremonies
and auspicious gatherings. Musical
instruments were also used to ward off
evil and provide protection during travel, as the sound was equated with the voices of the ancestors.
Height: 9"
Width: 11" x
Depth: 3 ⅛"
