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Yaka fly whisk
€250.00
€125.00
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Among the Yaka of southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, fly whisks belonged to the sphere of prestige and authority objects. Rather than merely serving a practical purpose, they could accompany chiefs, dignitaries and ritual specialists, visibly expressing status during ceremonies and public gatherings. Across Central Africa, fly whisks could also participate in gestures of blessing, purification and mediation.
This example features a carved anthropomorphic figure forming the handle. Standing upright beneath a crested coiffure, the figure holds its hands together before the body. On comparable Yaka fly whisks, such miniature figures have sometimes been identified with yiteke, protective or talismanic representations incorporated into prestige objects.
The dark brown wooden handle is extended by a textile binding securing a substantial tuft of dark animal hair. The contrast between the compact carved figure and the flowing hair gives the object a strong visual presence when held or moved.
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Among the Yaka of southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, fly whisks belonged to the sphere of prestige and authority objects. Rather than merely serving a practical purpose, they could accompany chiefs, dignitaries and ritual specialists, visibly expressing status during ceremonies and public gatherings. Across Central Africa, fly whisks could also participate in gestures of blessing, purification and mediation.
This example features a carved anthropomorphic figure forming the handle. Standing upright beneath a crested coiffure, the figure holds its hands together before the body. On comparable Yaka fly whisks, such miniature figures have sometimes been identified with yiteke, protective or talismanic representations incorporated into prestige objects.
The dark brown wooden handle is extended by a textile binding securing a substantial tuft of dark animal hair. The contrast between the compact carved figure and the flowing hair gives the object a strong visual presence when held or moved.
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