Flywhisk
1880–1920
- Medium
- Wood and animal hair
- Dimensions
- Overall: 30 x 16 x 18 cm (11 13/16 x 6 5/16 x 7 1/16 in.)
- Genre
- sculpture
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of the Congo, probably Yombe-style maker
About
In Central Africa, flywhisks denoted status, rank, and function, rather than used to whisk away flies. Commonly associated with chiefs and titleholders, they were also owned by diviners and healers. Their purpose may also have been used to purify spaces, bless people, places, or things, and settle disputes. Flywhisks rarely depict women; yet this finely carved miniature of a woman kneeling signifies obedience and respect.