A fine Songe divination implement

the cylindrical body beneath the neck with elaborate, raised scarification, the head with exaggerated features including the mouth and nose protruding out from the spherical head with close-set eyes inset with metal tacks, a medial ridge and transverse diadem leading to the wooden horn inset at the crown; '22' in white pigment on the base; fine, varied and resinous deep brown patina.

Jeff van der Straete, Brussels
Acquired from Merton D. Simpson, New York, November 26, 1962

Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Museum, Selections from the William W. Brill Colllection of African Art, catalogue of the exhibition, May 5 - August 31, 1969 (for additional venues see bibliography)
New York, Center for African Arts, Wild Spirits Strong Medicine: African Art and the Wilderness, May 10 - August 20, 1989 (for additional venues see bibliography, Anderson and Kreamer 1989)

Anderson and Kreamer 1989: figure 83

The Songe divination implement in the Brill collection is extremely rare and its original function remains mysterious. In a handwritten note for personal use from 1963 William W. Brill himself suggests: 'Hand rhythm beater for the accompaniment of dance + fertility ritual ceremonies. 19th century. Coll. Museum von de Strate [sic], Belgium. Very good piece!!' (personal notes of William W. Brill, doc. 239).