TS_Art of Africa_4C.qxp 10/17/2011 3:51 PM Page 174
Idiophone (Baoulé).
Ivory Coast.
Wood, metal, pearls, mirror, primate hand, height: 22 cm.
Private collection.Made with a hammer and a bell, this type of Lanoulé idiophone was likely
named after a deity linked to the twins cult. Traditional chiefs in the past used
them as part of their regalia during funerals or ritual ceremonies. According to
the different functions it retains, this remarkable example of an enigmatic
animal figure (a chameleon or lizard) also had magical power. Based on the
indigenous mending, it is clear that the owner was very important.