Ivory figure striking a bell. This may be the top of a ceremonial staff or flywhisk; alternatively it may be bell itself, for striking with an ivory wand. [presumably LMM 7 1991; JC 6 7 2000]

Collection type: Object
Description: Ivory figure striking a bell. This may be the top of a ceremonial staff or flywhisk; alternatively it may be bell itself, for striking with an ivory wand. [presumably LMM 7 1991; JC 6 7 2000]
Geographical reference: Nigeria
Africa > Western Africa > Nigeria; Benin
Cultural groups: Edo
Person: Field collector George Le Clerc Egerton; Field collector 1897 Benin City "Punitive Expedition"; PRM source Dumas-Egerton Trust
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1897
Date collected: 1897
Acquisition information: Loaned: 1991
Materials and processes: Material Elephant Tooth Ivory Animal, Process Carved
Dimensions: Height 305 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1991.13.9
Research and responses: The Dumas-Egerton Collection, of which this is part, was examined by Hermione Waterfield of Christie's in 1984, and a document, dated 7th December 1984, was produced with the title 'Part of the Nigerian Art Collected by Admiral Sir George Le Cler[c] Egerton on the Benin Expedition of 1897 on Deposit at Maidstone Museum' (see RDF). The entry for this object reads: 'A Benin flywhisk handle carved with the figure of a gong-striker, plain grip, interlaced ornament carved on the lowest panel which is pierced four times.12 in. long.' [JC 23 1 2002]
Associated publications: Reproduced in black and white as figure 639 on page 414 of Die Altertümer von Benin, by Felix von Luschan (Berlin: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, 1919; reprinted New York: Hacker Art Books, 1968). [LMM ?; JC 6 7 2000]

Search terms: Music, Figure, Ritual and Ceremonial, Fan, Musical Instrument, Staff, Ceremonial Object, Flywhisk, Gong

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