Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Pendant

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Pendant

These pendants carved from hippopotamus teeth were strung on cords with beads and amulets. The gesture of the hands on the breasts signifies divination, respect, and the containment of royal secrets.

The pendants are portraits, or at least likenesses, of certain revered ancestors, who are named and honored. Devotees have rubbed the figures with oil in homage to these ancestors, creating a smooth, rich color and lustrous surface.

This text refers to these objects: 22.1234; 22.1235

• Culture: Luba
• Medium: Hippopotamus tooth
• Place Made: Haut-Lomami Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 3 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (8.3 x 3.2 x 3.8 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.1234
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Left, 22.1234_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Luba . Pendant, 19th century. Hippopotamus tooth, 3 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (8.3 x 3.2 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1234 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1234_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Pendant in the form of a woman; through shoulders are holes for hanging. Head is thrust forward; long neck has three rings stacked one on top of the other. Small circles with dots decorate figure. Condition: Good