This sculpturally attractive bellow from the Fang tribe protrudes a bit more than our Chokwe bellow. Especially in the half profile it reveals itself as an exceptionally beautiful sculpture.
The object is nearly evenly coated with patina, which has gained a clear brilliance at the head due to frequent handling. On the inside of both pumping flanges an ochre colour has been applied, which forces a lovely interplay with the external surface.
The functionality of this important device is simple, effective and furthermore can be called sociable: lying flat on the ground the air is being pumped via a balloon-like cover into both ‘cheeks’. This procedure is carried out by two women sitting and synchronizing their pumping. The result is a steady stream of air from the bottom end of the bellow. |
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