Rare, Vintage, Bronze, Wood Baule, Ivory Coast Gong Mallet for Diviner/10”H

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Rare, Vintage, Bronze, Wood Baule, Ivory Coast Gong Mallet for Diviner/10”H:
$425.00

Unusual. rare bronze and wood object from the Baule in the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), shown to be a“gong mallet” for a diviner, in a detailed book of Baule art and culture. It was stated that the“‘Mbra\' diviners are conditioned to go into a trance state when they hear the steady striking of an iron gong. They enter a trance in private, but they carry the gong and mallet in perfirnance to use if they start to lose the trance during the session, or wish to deepen the trance.
Wonderful image of an animal head on the top a half figure of a man with detailed hair, beard, scarification on his back, a row of very old white beads, and a carved wooden handle. There are openings behind the animal head for fingers to hold the piece.
Sculpture is 10” H, with signs of wear at the wood bottom where it would have been pounded, as well asbrightening of the bronze where a hand would have held it. A great piece that would fit well in any collection, especially if you collect small or metal African items, or unique musical instruments. _gsrx_vers_775 (GS 7.0.3 (775))