Accession Number2000/2.38
TitleBell
Artist(s)Object Creation Datecirca 1890-1910Medium & SupportbrassDimensions 5 13/16 in x 2 15/16 in (14.76 cm x 7.46 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James and Vivian CurtisSubject matterThis object listed as made by Kirdi peoples, while most likely correct, is not without issue. “Kirdi”, meaning pagan, was the label given to the various peoples from northern Cameroon, northeastern Nigeria, and southern Chad by neighboring Fulani and Kanuri peoples because they did not practice Islam, while the latter do. The people collectively known as “Kirdi” are actually many different cultural groups with their own customs. However, due to a lack of information on where exactly this object came from, it is not possible to say with certainty which group of people created it.
The exact use of this bell is not known; however, the loop at the top of the handle suggests it may possibly have been attached to a woman's apron or belt.
References Cited:
Gebauer, Paul. 1979.
Art of Cameroon. Portland, Or.: Portland Art Museum.
Lembezat, Bertrand. 1961.
Les populations païennes du Nord-Cameroun et de l'Adamaoua. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France.
Lembezat, Bertrand. 1952.
Mukulehe; un clan montagnard du Nord-Cameroun; coutumes, rites, croyances. Paris: Berger-Levrault.
Northern, Tamara. 1984.
The Art of Cameroon. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution.
Page, Donna. 2007.
A Cameroon World. New York: QCC Art Gallery Press.
Physical DescriptionHand-held bell with a short handle ending in a loop. The dome-shaped bell has a pattern of incised lines around the top edge and a grid-like pattern around the lip. Inside the bell hangs a small clapper.
Primary Object Classification Metalwork Primary Object TypebellCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
bell
costume accessories
ornaments (object genre)
sound devices (equipment)