Brass bells, like rattle-staffs, are an essential
feature of Benin ancestral altars--whether for
kings, chiefs, or wealthy commoners. Several
bells are placed along the front of each altar, and
they are rung in order to summon the ancestors
to hear the prayers of their descendants and to
partake of the offerings made at the altar. The
more elaborate or unusal the form or decoration
of the bell, the higher the rank of the altar it is
placed upon. Small brass bells, such as this one,
were also worn by chieftans--the sound of the
bells announced chieftans' arrival or appearance.
This marvelous brass bell is intricately sculpted
and decorated. Such elaborate depiction of a face
and symbolic marks suggests that this conical
bell was placed on the highrank of an altar, or
was worn by an important chieftain. The face is
carefully modeled with details, and the cone-
shaped headdress forms the top portion of the
bell with a handle. Moreover, mysterious
designs, patterns, and motifs enhance the
ancient sculpture. The face is marked with
double lines which enclose small circular shapes,
and a braid-pattern marks the center of the
forehead. Such beautifully sculpted face looks
regal that as we look into the sculpture, we
wonder who this bell represents. Mysterious
figures such as snakes, frogs, and a human (who
seems to be holding something) fill the space
below the face. The skillful and intricate artistry
of this ancient bell amazes the viewers today.
And although we may not be able to decipher
the meaning of specific symbols and signs of the
bell, we still appreciate its incredible, timeless
beauty.
- (PF.3268a)
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