African Tribal Art Igbo or Igala Cast Bronze Bell, West Africa, Nigeria

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African Tribal Art Igbo or Igala Cast Bronze Bell, West Africa, Nigeria

About the Item

Traditional Tribal Art cast bronze bell from the Igbo People in West Africa. Made by the lost wax process by the Igbo or Igala metalsmiths. Africa tribal bells were used for a variety of purposes, such as proclaiming a sacred presence as well as a neutralizing hostile or harmful forces. Bells were used as tools of communication, as portable instruments for conveying important messages, and as a form or currency. Bronze Bell looks to be 19th century or older but it is difficult to give it a specific date. Authenticity is more important than age, and the fact that objects show tribal use and purpose and were not made to sell. It has also been suggested that the bell could be a Benin bronze. The Benin Empire was a pre-colonial empire located in what is now southern Nigeria. It was "one of the oldest and most highly developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa, dating perhaps to the 11th century until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897. The Igbo people, also erroneously known as the "Ibo people" (because certain Europeans had difficulty making the /g?b/ sound), are an indigenous linguistic and cultural people of southern Nigeria. Geographically, the Igbo homeland is divided into two unequal sections by the Niger River an eastern (which is the larger of the two) and a western section. Culturally and linguistically, the Niger River has provided an easy means of communication and unity amongst the Igbo natives on both sides, as well as promoted ancient trade and movement of peoples between Igboland and the rest of the world The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.[8] In rural Nigeria, Igbo people work mostly as craftsmen, farmers and traders Bell is part of a formidable collection of African Art by an international collector now residing in Miami. Measures: 4 1/4" wide x 4 1/4" deep x 8" high.

Dimensions:
Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Depth: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)
Style:
Primitive (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cast
Place of Origin:
Nigeria
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Miami, FL
Reference Number:
Seller: DEC001381stDibs: LU98815728263