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Yoruba Diviner's Iron Bell w/ Original Clapper Antique Tribal Art Old African Currency Nigeria
A Fine Old Yoruba Diviner's Iron Bell with Original Clapper
Antique Musical Instrument - Old African Currency, Ritual Divination Object - Nigeria
Collected from the: Yoruba peoples of Nigeria, West Africa Material: Iron, hand forged Period: 19th century, conservatively Dimensions: 10.5" height, 4.5" width, 2.25" base depth; weight is 1.00 pound Condition: Exceptional - NO damage, strong signs of age and wear from extensive tribal use. Held in private collection, the condition of this piece remains unchanged from the time of its original 1940's field acquisition. Original clapper remains securely anchored and continues to produce sound with good tonal quality - gorgeous heavy patination throughout.
Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this old bell!
Yoruba Tribal History
The origins of the Yoruba peoples can be traced back to the end of the first millennium, along with the Ife civilization. The Yoruba city of Owo, one of the largest on the Guinea coast, was established in the ninth century, and flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries primarily because of its location along the well established trade route connecting the cities of Ife and Benin. These early trade routes significantly contributed in bringing the Benin and Ife art to the early Yoruba peoples, and Yoruba art, especially the metal work, was notably influenced by trade with both the Portuguese and the Benin and Ife Kingdoms during the 16th century. The various Yoruba tribes spread across Nigeria today are composed of several cults, including the Epa, Gelede, Ogboni, and Esu. Metal was highly valued throughout Africa, and, as with most Africa metal items, pieces that were originally created for an entirely different purpose became viewed as wealth over time, and then cached to store accumulated wealth and used as currency in trade for a wide variety of items for the metal could always be smelted down to reform into a more desirable or needed object.
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Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment.
We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs !
PayPal and all major credit cards are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!!
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
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