Rattle (thafu ma luangu)

Kongo peoples

19th century · wood, fiber, seeds · Musical Instruments

This finial from a ritual dance staff is decorated with power figures (nkisi) representing Maundu and Malanda, the first initiates of the Khimba xociety, who are responsible for the well-being of the community. The seedpods jingle as the staff is twisted.

Artist

Kongo peoples

Date

19th century

Medium

wood, fiber, seeds

Culture

Congolese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889