Yombe "Madibu" Wooden ceremonial Bell topped with sculptured drummer

Yombe "Madibu" Wooden ceremonial Bell topped with sculptured drummer. Yombe People, DRC.
1st half 20th Century or earlier
Wood
25,5 x 14,5 x 9,8 cm
10085
Copyright The Artist
POA

A very old, unusually opulent handbell of the Yombe People near the mouth of the Congo river. These handbells, called ‘dibu,ndibu or madibu' were used by the soothsayers and doctors (known as ‘nganga’) of the Yombe in order to call on spirits and ancestors for help when healing the sick, for oracles and during ceremonies. Handbells were also used during initiation rituals of men’s secret associations in order to invite ancestors as witnesses. The present Yombe bell made of hard, brown wood features a handle on top in the form of a powerful drummer standing with his legs apart and in full action, three-dimensionally and very expressively executed. The round, slightly flattened body of the bell is decorated in relief on all sides: recognisable on one side is a face, on the other a stylised, four-legged animal. The narrow sides are carved with the relief image of a woman and a man, respectively. An old wooden clapper hangs inside the bell. Overall a rare object, with impressive, very old usage patina and some old original repairs.

Provenance
European Private Collection