Ceremonial Double Gong With Beaded Handle - Tribal Art
This ceremonial double gong consists of two beautifully made gongs of different sizes and a gorgeous beaded handle. The gongs are both covered in an enticing layer of patina. The handle is covered in red, green and black beads in an elegant diamond pattern that resembles the markings of a snake. Cowrie shells are used to great effect to cover the rims and the inside of the handle.
Dimensions approx. 112 x 50 x 20 cm
Beaded art from the Cameroon Grasslands collected between 1985 and 2005. Rulers throughout the many Kingdoms in the Cameroon Grassland region (Bamileke –Bamum -Tikar) employed a range of Regalia to assert their political, economic and religious power. Presented publicly in lavish displays of wealth and power, many court objects were distinguished by their elaborate bead embroidery. Imported from Venice, Bohemia or Amsterdam, glass beads were considered a luxury material whose use and distribution were controlled by the King. The decoration of objects with vast quantities of brilliantly colored beads transformed utilitarian objects into symbols of royal status and prestige.
All lots are in the state the collector acquire them. No restorations or cleaning has been performed.
951