Fly whisk

Object Details

Kongo artist

Label Text

This sculpture has many of the attributes associated with Kongo figures - the kneeling pose in a gesture of respect, the keloids on the upper chest and the breast band, and the glass inlaid eyes that offer a window into the spirit world. It was collected circa 1914 by Harry A. McBride when he was counsul in what was then the Belgian Congo. Originally catalogued as a figure, it has since been identified as a figural fly whisk from Mayanga, near Kinshasa.

Description

Wood fly whisk in the form of a kneeling female figure on a square base, with open cylinder on head from which projects a tuft of hair (likely animal).The arms rest on the thights, and the body bears raised keloid scarification and a chest cord above the breasts. Glass bead necklace and metal earring adorn the neck and ear. However, only one earring is still present and damage to the ear betrays the possible existence of a second earring. Eyes have inset glass.

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. McBride, Washington, D.C., acquired in the Belgian Congo, ca. 1914 to 1965

Exhibition History

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing

Published References

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Art Gallery. 1970. African Art. Amherst: University of Massachusetts, p. 40, no. 94.

Content Statement

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Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Harry A. McBride

Late 19th-early 20th century

Object number

65-1-2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Wood, hair, glass, glass beads, metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 39.5 x 27 x 12cm (15 9/16 x 10 5/8 x 4 3/4 in.)

Geography

Mayanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Exhibition

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts

On View

NMAfA, Second Level Gallery (2193)

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Status

Male use

male

female

Record ID

nmafa_65-1-2

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7f679d5a6-9346-4bca-abc4-b40ad0c58349