An ancient and rare ritual bell with a brass (omo) face, a badge of authority reserved for chiefs. The decorative motifs - interlacing, facial striations, frontal lines - expressed the rank and spiritual power of the holder. Beyond these signs, it was above all the shape of the head, symbolizing the "ori inu", the inner or spiritual head, that gave the object its strength. Worn on the left hip, the bell thus became the portrait of inner authority, combining physical power and spiritual wisdom. Ijebu-Yoruba, Nigeria 19th century (or earlier) Copper alloy, very fine old oxidation, old missing parts, very fine old patina from use and ritual. H. 25 cm Provenance : Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels Marc Blanpain Collection, Brussels Publications and exhibitions: Bonhams, London, Tribal, islamic and Indian Art, July 3, 2002, lot 1 Schaedler, Earth and Ore. 2500 Years of African Art in Terra-cotta and Metal, 1997, no. 446, Burgrieden-Rot, Germany, Museum Villa Rot, June - November 1998 Grunne (de), Dreams of beauty. African Sculptures from the Blanpain Collection, 2005, no. 37, Luxembourg, Banque Générale du Luxembourg, October 25 - December 2, 2005 Giquello, Paris, Blanpain Collection, December 6, 2024, no. 23