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Figurated Bellows

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Figurated Bellows

early 20th century

Songye culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Although this man has a calm face, his body was once activated by a blacksmith. Sitting next to a blazing furnace, the smith would rhythmically push the two bags with the protruding sticks, an action that forced a concentrated channel of air into the fire to maintain the high heat required to smelt iron. Blacksmiths oversee the creation of the iron tools and weapons that are carried by leaders in Songye society, so this sculpture seems to concentrate on assisting this important work.
Wood, animal skin, sticks
Height: 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
Gift of Oliver E. Cobb and Pamela F. Cobb in honor of Thomas G.B. Wheelock
2017.25
Provenance: [Gallery Farid, New York]; purchased by Oliver E. Cobb, Seattle, Washington, early 1990s
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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