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Flywhisk

Kuba

Artwork Details

Flywhisk
circa 1900
Kuba
carved wood, copper, fiber and animal hair
15 3/4 in x 1 3/4 in (40 cm x 4.4 cm)
Museum Purchase made possible by the Friends of the Museum of Art
1984/2.26

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Description

In the western grassfields of the Cameroon, flywhisks are carried and danced by the NGOIN female mask, which depicts the royal titled wife. They may also be danced by the male NAJA mask. In addition, flywhisks are often held by rulers as political symbols, and are used to gesture, direct activities, and call attention to oneself.

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