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Musical Devices |
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 he
important role of music as a medium of communication and artistic expression
in divination contexts is recognized in catalogue numbers 25
through 28. The sounds produced by these musical instruments serve as
essential catalysts in the divination process. As part of a public theatrical
spectacle, a Baule diviner beats a finely carved wooden mallet against an
iron gong during a divination session and enters a state of trance and possession,
enabling nature spirits to contribute their insights. Similarly, Senufo
diviners invoke spirit entities through the combined display of compelling
artifacts and musical overtures. In Yaka society, the hollowed figural form
of a slitdrum (n-kookwa Ngoombu) serves as a mouthpiece for the spirit world
when it is struck, producing a sound that is regarded as an oracular pronouncement.
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25. Gong Striker: Equestrian (Lawle) Baule, Côte d'Ivoire Wood, cloth; 10.8 x 25.1 cm (4 1/2 x 9 7/8 in.) 19th–20th century The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Pace Editions Inc., Fred and Rita Richman, and Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal Gifts, 1977 (1977.335) |
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26. Harp-Lute (Korikaariye) Senufo, Côte d'Ivoire Wood, string, gourd, metal, leather, cloth; 28 x 72 cm (11 x 28 3/8 in.) 20th century B. and U. Gottschalk Collection, Düsseldorf |
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27. Hunting Charm: Slitdrum (N-kookwa Ngoombu) Yaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, metal, seeds, fiber, organic material; H. 31.1 cm (12 1/4 in.) 19th century Brooklyn Museum of Art, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund 22.1461 |
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28. Divination Whistle: Monkey (Nsiba) Vili, Mayumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, antelope horn, fiber; L. 29 cm (11 3/8 in.) 19th century Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Museum für Völkerkunde III C 717a-c |
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