FANG, Gabon.
FANG, Gabon. Wood, bamboo, traces of pigments. A sacred “Ngombi” harp symbolizing the body and voice of “Nyingwan Mbege,” or sister of God, which was played during every “Bwiti” ritual by the oldest male initiate. It consists of a soundbox formerly covered with skin and topped by a human head with a long neck pierced with holes, which allowed a curved neck to be secured using fibers. The construction of the head is masterful, clearly the work of an initiated sculptor with a remarkable understanding of the balance between the tension of the lines, the simplicity of the forms, and tradition. Early 20th century. 67.5 x 12 cm (traces of wood-boring insects). Provenance: Part of a collection of objects gathered in situ in the very early 20th century by the colonial consulting engineer Laurent Schlüssel (according to family tradition). Note: The label lists the exhibitor’s name as L. Schussel. The Ministry of the Colonies’ archives on colonial personnel confirm the presence of Laurent Ernest Schlüssel as a colonial engineer. He served as department head in 1885.
[ translate ]FANG, Gabon. Wood, bamboo, traces of pigments. A sacred “Ngombi” harp symbolizing the body and voice of “Nyingwan Mbege,” or sister of God, which was played during every “Bwiti” ritual by the oldest male initiate. It consists of a soundbox formerly covered with skin and topped by a human head with a long neck pierced with holes, which allowed a curved neck to be secured using fibers. The construction of the head is masterful, clearly the work of an initiated sculptor with a remarkable understanding of the balance between the tension of the lines, the simplicity of the forms, and tradition. Early 20th century. 67.5 x 12 cm (traces of wood-boring insects). Provenance: Part of a collection of objects gathered in situ in the very early 20th century by the colonial consulting engineer Laurent Schlüssel (according to family tradition). Note: The label lists the exhibitor’s name as L. Schussel. The Ministry of the Colonies’ archives on colonial personnel confirm the presence of Laurent Ernest Schlüssel as a colonial engineer. He served as department head in 1885.
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