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Bell, D2012.91

Physical Description

Conical shaped brass bell. A brass 'loop' for receiving a cord(?) tops the bell. A small ridge circumscribes the base. A narrow brass rod runs from side to side in the upper part of inside of bell. A small iron wire is wrapped around loosely around this rod and serves as clapper when bell is shaken. The bell is formed from a single casting with the exception of the added iron clapper. Bell is likely cast by the cire perdue/lost wax method.

Research Notes

Consistent with original description as from being from NE Nigeria. Brass with iron clapper. Bell. Possibly (?) tied around ankle/wrist/waist when dancing. Small - approx. 41mm from top to base - conical shaped brass bells. A brass 'loop' for receiving a cord(?) tops the bell. A small ridge circumscribes the base. A narrow brass rod runs from side to side in the upper part of inside of bell. A small iron wire is wrapped around loosely around this rod and serves as clapper when bell is shaken. The bell is formed from a single casting with the exception of the added iron clapper. Bell is likely cast by the cire perdue/lost wax method. ? Height = approx. 142mm. Width across base/mouth = approx. 43mm. Thickness of metal at base = approx. 3mm. Length of iron clapper = approx. 45mm (from top to bottom not including 'curl' around fastening rod.) ? —Joel A Vanderburg

Provenance

Donated
Locality

Measurements

Maximum dimensions (H x W x D): 49 x 41 x 37mm

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