Gong and Currency - Elonja - Tetela - DR Congo
06
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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Gong and Currency, an iron Elonja gong from the Tetela people (Nkushu, Jonga) of DR Congo, dating to the early 20th century, from a private collection, 51 cm high, in good condition, original authenticity.
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Description from the seller
Tetela, Nkushu, Jonga Gong and Currency.
DR Congo.
An iron gong in typical, elegantly curved form, with in total twenty repoussé dots on both sides in the middle, above the lower rim. Used by the Tetela and neighbouring tribes (Nkutshu, Jonga etc.) in central Congo as a musical instrument as well as primitive money and pre-numismatic form of currency.
The Elonja is a traditional Tetela instrument resembling a xylophone, crafted with iron keys that produce resonant metallic tones when struck with mallets. Beyond its role in music and ceremonies, the iron Elonja also historically served as a form of tribal currency, reflecting its high cultural and economic value. Its dual function highlights the Tetela people's resourcefulness, blending artistic expression with practical utility.
Object type: elonja gong and currency
Tribe: Tetela, Nkushu, Jonga
Material: iron
Height: 51 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Tetela, Nkushu, Jonga Gong and Currency.
DR Congo.
An iron gong in typical, elegantly curved form, with in total twenty repoussé dots on both sides in the middle, above the lower rim. Used by the Tetela and neighbouring tribes (Nkutshu, Jonga etc.) in central Congo as a musical instrument as well as primitive money and pre-numismatic form of currency.
The Elonja is a traditional Tetela instrument resembling a xylophone, crafted with iron keys that produce resonant metallic tones when struck with mallets. Beyond its role in music and ceremonies, the iron Elonja also historically served as a form of tribal currency, reflecting its high cultural and economic value. Its dual function highlights the Tetela people's resourcefulness, blending artistic expression with practical utility.
Object type: elonja gong and currency
Tribe: Tetela, Nkushu, Jonga
Material: iron
Height: 51 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Details
Indigenous object name
Elonja
Ethnic group/ culture
Tetela
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Iron (wrought)
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Gong and Currency
Height
51 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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