How might the bell ensemble’s musical performances illustrate “useless” conspicuous consumption? Yet what useful function might these performances serve for the Marquis?

What will be an ideal response?

• The bell ensemble performances represented elaborate and expensive artistic productions, essentially "useless" to human survival.
• These musical performances and instruments—even to the point of burying people presumed to be performers with the expensive bell set in the Marquis's tomb--served the useful function of projecting his regal ambitions, his elevated status and his wealth.