Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=1C0265D4673AA21B1FED584249B674D2BBC5A90F2F84728628E21560DD625A0B&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=0&f=2010.435_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=42CDF14B29DC59E92CA22FA2EABEED97B6BE9E3042470F48D3E4A6963188673F&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=1&f=%5C2010.435det01_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=0D946FE96098913CD0316D4FCC68B3053B53CFC9FB64EB119D8A994657D297C8&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=1&f=%5C2010.435det02_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=0D946FE96098913C52A5C28E42BC5C6821C9B82809218B007F70CC323BF3586C&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=1&f=%5C2010.435det03_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=C822BBCBCAEA5D325C46C1C6A161547AA6E43479A64AE8D06F62E8754DD2DD6B&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=1&f=%5C2010.435det04_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=C822BBCBCAEA5D32787873C1802BD09AC76D95EA1712E22A88BA2C6EFDDAA106&s=24247294&se=1648256272&v=1&f=%5C2010.435det05_o2.jpg
Jun 2, 2011
Jun 2, 2011
Jun 2, 2011
Jun 2, 2011
Jun 2, 2011
Jun 2, 2011
Flywhisk
Flywhisk
late 1800s-early 1900s
Wood and animal hair
Overall: 30 x 16 x 18 cm (11 13/16 x 6 5/16 x 7 1/16 in.)
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2010.435
Location
Download and Share
Did you know?
Rarely do flywhisks depict a female figure.
Description
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.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.