COW BELL
First half of the 20th c.
Undetermined Peoples, Zaire
Iron, fiber, 6 x 3 1/2 in.
Gift of Mme. Helena Rubenstein
1953.019

 

 

Many of the African peoples belong to a pastoral society, for which the keeping of large herds is essential for demonstrations of power and authority. Pastoral artifacts, such as this hand-forged bell, reflect a simple, direct attitude toward utilitarian objects, yet they are important symbols of both ownership and control over the herds. Lacking ownership or control herders cannot survive.

 

 

 

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