In general, African music is not created for music sake. African music, like African art is mainly functional. The rhythms produced are accompanied by verbal historical accounts of tribal origins, migrations, battles, deities and legendary deeds. Specific melodies and chants are provided for specific rituals such as circumcisions, initiations and important social gatherings. The Fang tribe of Northern Gabon use a variety of age-old instruments to provide their unique tribal beat. The selection on display is an artistic variation of a hand held bell. The upper portion crafted from native hard wood features classic Fang facial attributes highlighted by round bulging metal eyes. The lower bell section has been hand forged and hand etched with tribal motifs. The casing houses a long metal bar that strikes the sides when shook. Bells of this nature served varied purposes from summoning the signaling family, to announcing the resolvement of a judicial matter. Please click photo for enlargement! See another photo and Order button below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: The bell is 11 inches tall x 3 1/4 inches wide x 2 1/2 inches deep. Wt: 5 lbs. shipping Item 378$145.00 Lower bell casePlease click photo for enlargement! The WarehousePlease click here for new arrivals. The Curators GalleryPlease click here for exclusive high grade selections.