Leather bag from medicine man's outfit decorated with fringe of beads with coiled leather discs, fibre draw string at top, Congolese, 1871-1910

Herbs, minerals and objects for divination were held in this leather bag. It was used by a shaman in the Congo region of West Africa. Shamen were referred to as medicine men. The bag was made in the late 1800s. It forms part of a larger outfit worn by a shaman. The drawstring bag is fringed with beads made of small seeds and coiled leather disks. These distinctive accessories identify healers and show their status within their community.