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Flywhisk
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineFlywhisk, late 1800s-early 1900s. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of the Congo, probably Yombe-style maker. Wood and animal hair; overall: 30 x 16 x 18 cm (11 13/16 x 6 5/16 x 7 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund, 2010.435
