H x W x D: 1.8 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm (11/16 x 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Congo
Date:
17th-18th century
Label Text:
Cast bracelets with relief images were among the emblems of the Lemba cult. From the mid-17th century to the first decades of the 20th century, Lemba functioned in a number of Kongo groups in central Africa. Traces of the cult have also been documented in Haiti and Brazil. Although changing over time and place, this complex cult initially focused on healing. Its members were the elite of Kongo society, those successful in the trade of European goods, slaves and copper. Only married couples could join the cult. Bracelets were exchanged and were either worn or kept wrapped in palm fronds. Owners rubbed their bracelets wtih palm oil and redwood powder.
Description:
Copper alloy bracelet composed of four figures, head-to-toe on the outer surface. One of the figures has breasts and arms at the sides, the other three figures are holding staffs down the center of the body with the left hand over the right. The bracelet is solid cast copper alloy with dark reddish-brown patina.
Provenance:
Ernst Anspach, New York, -- to 1988
Exhibition History:
From Slavery to Freedom, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, July 2004-October 2007
Published References:
Herbert, Eugenia. 1984. Red Gold: Copper Arts of Africa. South Hadley, Massachusetts: Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, p. 4, no. 100.
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