Insect Bell Pendant

Ring, ring! What do these four objects have in common? <br>They are all bells! <br> <br>The turtle with ruby eyes (1966.473) and small gold insect (2015.12) were likely inspired by imaginary creatures. Fabergé (say: fab-er-zhay) probably modeled the turtle after <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/59362">small Japanese figurines called netsuke</a> (say: nets-kay). The insect with 14 legs may combine features of marine animals and bugs. <br> <br> The wooden figure (1975.190) was used in healing rituals. Notice the patterns on the body of the bell. Similar shapes are found on other Kongo-style carvings and textiles. The bronze bell (1998.77.2) looks like a tall helmet topped by a pair of horns. It is decorated with a diamond that probably symbolized a southern Chinese tribe. <br> <br> Look closely at each bell’s shape and material. How might those details affect the sound it makes?