1: One bell with a long, tall handle consisting of two figures seated one above the other. At the bottom, on the actual bell, a woman kneels, holding her breasts (an old gesture of greeting). On top of her sits a man, whose high cap is decorated at the front with the figure of a bird. The entire object is made of brass-bronze in the ‘waste mould’ casting technique. With beautiful, old patina. No damage. Height: c. 30 cm. First half of the 20th century.
2: A so-called ‘face bell’ (‘Omo’). The body of the bell is almost round, with four sketched edges, as well as with a hanging and holding strap above. On one surface of the bell a face, cast at the same time, with coffee bean eyes, nose and protruding mouth is preserved. The bell is cast in a single piece using the ‘waste mould’ technique. The clapper consists of iron. A piece with a visibly very good, old usage patina. No damage. Height: 16 cm; diameter: c. 10.6 cm to 11.8 cm (below).
Between the 19th century and the first third of the 20th century.
Both ritual bells belong to the complex of the Ogboni secret society of the Yoruba people in south-west Nigeria. Their figural representations (man and woman, and face) probably depict important ancestors, who are called up during ceremonies of the ‘Ogboni’ secret society by means of such bells. (ME)

Provenance:
Austrian private collection.

Lit.:
‘Der Ogboni-Geheimbund’ by Th. A. H. M. Dobbelmann, ill. 139 to 145.