Africa | Gabon
Tsogho Gong
Gabon
Mikenge ceremonial gong
Wood, iron
Late 19th – early 20th century
Height: 18 ¾ in (47.5 cm)
Collected between 1920 and 1922 by Maurice Mayet
(Chargeurs Réunis Company, Upper Congo)
Ex collection Yves et Ewa Develon, Paris
Ceremonial Bell, Tsogho, Gabon / Galerie Flak
Price on request
This finely carved Mikenge (or Mokengué) ritual gong is laden with an anthropomorphic symbolism. The human face on top represents Kombe (the sun), a male entity, source of life, and supreme judge of all humans. The sound of the gong was said to symbolize the beat of a man's heart.
Mikenge gongs were used in initiation rites of the Evovi association whose members were in charge of judicial matters among the Tsogho people. These gongs were also used during the mavasa rituals for the birth of twins.
Mikenge gongs were used in initiation rites of the Evovi association whose members were in charge of judicial matters among the Tsogho people. These gongs were also used during the mavasa rituals for the birth of twins.
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