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Lobi Bronze Bell Pendant Protective Serpent Motifs Antique Tribal Jewelry OLD African Currency Cote d'Ivoire
An Ancient Lobi Bronze Bell Pendant, Undulating Protective Serpent Designs Antique Tribal Art - Old African Currency - Cote d'Ivoire to Burkina
Collected from the: Lobi peoples of the Cote d'Ivoire region of West Africa Material: Bronze, lost wax casting of copper/tin alloy, iron bead clapper and top hook Period: Late 18th to early 19th century, conservatively Dimensions: 4" height, 2.5" outer diameter at base; weight is 10.4 ounces Condition: Exquisite - no damage, superb age/wear, burnished skin oil patina from extensive tribal use
Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this delightful old piece!
African Bell Traditions and Use
Bells comprised one of the most widespread art forms in southern Nigeria, serving military, ceremonial, religious, and musical functions. Among the Igbo, Igala, and the Yoruba, bells functioned as portable noisemakers used to announce a sacred presence and neutralize hostile forces, while the Senufo and Lobi wore bells rather like an amulet to protect the wearer from harm. In either case, the metal's intrinsic value was associated with those who owned or controlled the bells. Bells were usually placed within easy reach towards the front of ancestral altars and rung to signal the commencement of a ceremony. The appearance of bells with similar forms and functions throughout southern Nigeria indicates shared concerns. Their small size and durability allowed for easy disbursement through trade, gift-exchange, and cultural expansion. An important distinction in naming the different types of bells lies in the way they produce sound. Some bells, referred to as gongs, were struck with a wand to produce a controlled sound suitable to send a musical message. Others incorporated a swinging clapper to produce a less precisely controlled "field" of sound. As a result, clapper bells also had non-musical functions associated with warfare. Bells served not only as indicators of military rank but also as altar objects used to call the spirits to come and accept the sacrifice.
Lobi Tribal History
A predominately agricultural people, the approximate 250,000 Lobi people inhabit areas of Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire. A shared cross-cultural influence may be noticed in both the art and utilitarian objects of the Lobi and the neighboring Senufo, Mossi, Bwa, and Bobo tribes. One significant cultural difference that sets the Lobi apart is that wooden masks are not worn for their ceremonial dances. The Lobi build shrines for spirits known as Thila under the direction of a tribal sorcerer. Their traditional three legged seats may occasionally be adorned with a carved animal or human figure. Lobi sculpture is extremely rich, making use of a variety of materials including: wood, clay, ivoire, and metals. Such representational objects are destined for precise social, religious and ritual uses. Statuettes known as Bateba fulfill one or several functions, depending on whether they represent a human or an animal body.
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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 are 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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