Bell Item Number: Ae58 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Double-headed metal bells, connected at top, narrow ends by a curved metal handle wrapped with reeds. Each head is conical, two-sided, hollow and tapered, in the shape of an elongated cone. The sides of each cone are curved and joined by a flattened, protruding seam. The metal is rough, uneven and rusted away in places. Bells are mottled. Reed wrapping is natural variegated colour.
History Of Use
Gongs, or iron bells (without clappers) of single or double cylinders, are played as part of the Gong Society performances. The music is a blessing for prosperity and fertility for the royal family and the country. Gongs are made by local Fontem blacksmiths, and attain 5 feet in height. These largest belong only to the paramount chief.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in Cameroon
- Collected before 1980
- Owned by E. M. Von Kaldenberg before July 28, 1980
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and E. M. Von Kaldenberg (Seller) on July 28, 1980
What
- Name
- Bell
- Identification Number
- Ae58
- Type of Item
- bell
- Material
- iron metal and reed grass
- Manufacturing Technique
- hammered and wrapped
- Overall
- height 63.0 cm, width 43.0 cm, depth 15.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Central African
- Previous Owner
- E. M. Von Kaldenberg
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and E. M. Von Kaldenberg (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cameroon
When
- Collection Date
- before 1980
- Ownership Date
- before July 28, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on July 28, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0640/0022