Hunting Bell
Kongo people, Democratic Republic of Congo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Belgian Colonial collection. M. Bronson, Brussels. Joseph Henrion, Belgium. M.L. Felix, Brussels. Helmut Stern collection, USA. Private New York City collection
Published: Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo, Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, pg. 62., Fig. 2. Exhibited: The Minneapolis Institute of Art
Elaborately carved bells such as this one, called Madibu are instruments used by Kongo Shamans or nganga. Associated with hunting practices, Madibu are commissioned by men to be strapped around the necks of their dogs during the hunt. Early examples such as this one are extremely rare to find.
Hunting Bell
Kongo people, Democratic Republic of Congo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Belgian Colonial collection. M. Bronson, Brussels. Joseph Henrion, Belgium. M.L. Felix, Brussels. Helmut Stern collection, USA. Private New York City collection
Published: Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo, Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, pg. 62., Fig. 2. Exhibited: The Minneapolis Institute of Art
Elaborately carved bells such as this one, called Madibu are instruments used by Kongo Shamans or nganga. Associated with hunting practices, Madibu are commissioned by men to be strapped around the necks of their dogs during the hunt. Early examples such as this one are extremely rare to find.