Antique/Vintage Hammered Iron Gong on Stand, Democratic Republic of the Congo (3893BKR)

Description

Made by Nkutshu (Nkutsu) or Jonga metal smiths who traditionally had a monopoly as gong makers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in Central-Africa, many traditional African-metalwork items like this had multiple uses. They are an example of fine Tribal-art used in Africa as ritual and ceremonial instruments, a mark of status that could only be beaten by elite members of the “Nkumi” society, a symbol of brotherhood, and also used in trade and as African metal currency. Using a rubber-covered stick, members of the tribe would also beat these gongs in religious ceremonies, and the instruments marked their prestige, power, and wisdom. The gong also set the pace and cadence for ritual and religious ceremonies and their accompanying music. For many years, they and other iron pieces were collected by smelters and melted down, so for years antique and vintage originals have been extremely hard to find and have been replaced by modern copies. Sinuous curves express their sculptural presence and do their aged patinas, and this one is elevated on a black metal stand.