Bell Item Number: 1259/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Four-sided bell with looped metal handle on top. Each side is square-shaped at the bottom, angles slightly inwards towards the top and edges decorated with a spiral metalwork design. Three of the four sides have metal cross-hatching designs and the fourth side has a human face protruding from its surface. The ringer, a long metal wire with small globular ball at end, is found on inside and is attached to the top of the underside of the piece.
History Of Use
This bronze bell is a part of the attire of high ranking officials of the Benin
Kingdom. It is usually worn around the individual's neck or chest as a pendant. This was often depicted as a part of the armour of warriors of the Benin Kingdom as early as the 16th century. Worn in battle, the sound made by this bell was believed to bring spiritual protection to the Oba. Furthermore, idiophones such as rattles and bells can be seen as having the ability to call on ancestors and can be found on altars alongside memorial heads.
Specific Techniques
Made with the cire-perdue or lost-wax method. The mould is made of beeswax, covered with clay, and then fired. The wax melts and the hollow clay cast is then filled with scraps of copper-based alloy, before being fired for a second time. XRF analysis suggests the piece is made of brass with a high bismuth content, typical of the 18-19th centuries.
Iconographic Meaning
Face on represented on the bell is possibly the face of the Oba.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria between 1700 and 1900
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before January 7, 1988
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on January 7, 1988
What
- Name
- Bell
- Identification Number
- 1259/10
- Type of Item
- bell
- Material
- brass metal
- Overall
- height 12.2 cm, width 22.4 cm, depth 12.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- between 1700 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before January 7, 1988
- Acquisition Date
- on January 7, 1988
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1259/0010