Baule Gong Mallet Lawlé Waka

Description

Baule gong mallet or lawlé waka, used by diviners in Do rituals.
The surmounting subject is that of a horned buffalo, holding the twisted handle of the wood mallet in its mouth.
During divination, the diviner “damien”, reaches a trance state from the rhythmic sounds of the gong.
Malevolent spirits are chased away and he comes into contact with nature spirits, who will guide him.
The lawlé waka is complete with the hand-forged iron gong and cord.
Remnants of the natural fibre cushion remain.
Signs of wear and usage – Collected in the Ivory Coast.

Length of mallet: 27 cm (10 1/4″)
Length of iron gong: 19 cm (7 1/2″)
*Photo of diviner (kamien): Susan Mullin Vogel

Reference: Sounding Forms-African Musical Instruments, edited by Marie-Thérèse Brincard (1989) p. 149