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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 example is beautifully carved with two distinct bells integrally joined by crescent-shaped links; each bell geometric designs.
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Title: Kunda
Date: 19th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Yombe group, Kongo people
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: 5 1/2 × 1 3/4 × 1 in. (13.9 × 4.4 × 2.5 cm)
Classification: Idiophone-Struck-bell-clapper
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number: 89.4.2836
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