HEMBA RATTLE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Made of wood, calabash and seeds H.: 19 cm (7½ in.) A Hemba rattle, Democratic Republic of the Congo Provenance: Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then passed down through the family These instruments accompanied diviners during codified rituals relating to healing, hunting or ancestor worship. Their sound was believed to awaken the spirits and facilitate dialogue with invisible forces. A HEMBA RATTLE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood, calabash fruit and seeds H.: 7½ in. Provenance: Jean-Jacques Rotthier Collection (1932–2009), Brussels, then by descent These instruments were used by diviners during codified rituals, hunting expeditions, healing ceremonies and ancestor worship. Their percussive sound was believed to awaken the spirits and facilitate communication with them.