Kunda (Double Bell)

Unknown

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. This is an outstanding example features grooved crosshatched diamond and herringbone patterns.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Congolese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889