Kunda (bell)

Mayumba people

late 19th century · Wood · Musical Instruments

Used by the Nganga, healer and spiritualist, the hourglass shaped double bell is liked to Nkisi cult worship and is used during songs and dances to treat the ill. It was also used to tame evil witches, evil spirits of the dead and ghosts.

Artist

Mayumba people

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Congolese (Mayumba people)

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889