Authentic African tribal ceremonial dance bell strand attributed to Yoruba culture, West Africa, West Africa Nigeria, Egon Guenther Collection

This African tribal artefact consists of a strand of individually cast metal slit bells mounted onto hand-twisted fibre cord, terminating in cast brass attachment rings. Objects of this form are traditionally worn on the leg or waist during masked and community dances where movement activates layered rhythmic sound accompanying drums.

Bell rattles of this type are characteristic of cultures across the Gulf of Guinea region, particularly among the Yoruba peoples and neighbouring groups, where dance regalia forms an essential component of ritual performance, festivals, spirit masquerades and status display. The bells function both musically and symbolically

The strand has 21 lost wax cast bells varying in size- small to large
attached to a rope including 7 bronze cast rings.

Measurements
Length: 65 cm
Weight 432 g