"Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair."
Gilbert K. Chesterton
This is a sketch from a recent trip to the VMFA. For some reason, I had not realized the African Art Section of the newly renovated museum was open! Amazing! The Galukoji was an accordion style "spirit stick" of sorts, used in the central Pende region of the Congo.
There were many different Galukojis made from different variations of leather, wood, feathers and beads. The instruments were used during the early - mid 20th century. I cannot decide if the purpose of the instrument was of a spiritual or political nature based on the research I have found on both the Met's website and "Art and Oracle: African Art and Rituals of Divination" by Alisa LaGamma and John Pemberton. An oracle would use the instrument during a ceremony that would help in determining the guilt or righteousness of an accused person.
While the purpose is something to ponder, there is no denying the powerful nature of the Pende people's art and mask. I snapped a picture (flash off of course!) during my last visit to the VMFA.
There were many different Galukojis made from different variations of leather, wood, feathers and beads. The instruments were used during the early - mid 20th century. I cannot decide if the purpose of the instrument was of a spiritual or political nature based on the research I have found on both the Met's website and "Art and Oracle: African Art and Rituals of Divination" by Alisa LaGamma and John Pemberton. An oracle would use the instrument during a ceremony that would help in determining the guilt or righteousness of an accused person.
While the purpose is something to ponder, there is no denying the powerful nature of the Pende people's art and mask. I snapped a picture (flash off of course!) during my last visit to the VMFA.
