Fly Whisk
African Art

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Fly Whisk
Artwork Details
Artist/Maker
Kongo Artist, Vili Region
Democratic Republic of the Congo or Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo or Republic of the Congo
Date
nineteenth century or earlier
Medium
Wood, hair, and raffia
Accession #
1984.308
Dimensions
Please contact the Museum for more information.
Location
Currently Not on View
Description
This fly whisk was used as an emblem of political office. Its smooth, worn surfaces show signs of extensive use. Delicate metalwork ornaments the figure’s face, repeating the same sign at the center of her forehead and at both temples. These four points mark the Dikenga, the Kongo cosmogram that charts the never-ending cycle of life. Moving counterclockwise, the point at three o’clock indicates birth, twelve o’clock indicates prime of life, nine o’clock indicates the role of the elders, and six o’clock refers to the realm of the ancestors.