The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 26, 2024

Flywhisk

Flywhisk

late 1800s-early 1900s
(most likely)
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: not on view

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.
  • ?-1972
    (René De Wolf, Brussels, BE before 1972, sold to René and Odette Delenne)
    1972-2010
    René [1901-1998] and Odette Delenne [1925-2012], Brussels, BE, 2010, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art.
    2010
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 2010
  • Petridis, Constantine, et al. Fragments of the Invisible: The René and Odette Delenne Collection of Congo Sculpture. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Museum of Art. Milan: 5 Continents Editions, 2013, 62. Reproduced: p. 62; mentioned: p. 113, cat. 22
  • Fragments of the Invisible: The Rene and Odette Delenne Collection of Congo Sculpture. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 27, 2013-February 9, 2014).
  • {{cite web|title=Flywhisk|url=false|author=|year=late 1800s-early 1900s|access-date=26 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2010.435