Bronze and Buffalo Horn

Horns

Bamum Altar Pieces (Trumpets)

Cameroon Grasslands
Bamoun

Bronze and Buffalo Horn
ca. Early-Mid 20th century

Height: 14 inches; Width: 10 inches; Depth: 5 inches

This pair of Bamum Altar Horns are made of bronze and buffalo that come from the Cameroon grasslands. The two figures represent a fon (tribal chief) and his wife. The buffalo trumpet/horns are carved in deep relief with spiders, crocodiles and buffalo heads (symbol of power). All of these are sacred animals and emblems of the King of Bamum (Bamoun). When played by buzzing the lips, the sound of the horn, as with most of the early trumpets, create a startling rather than pleasant sound and are primarily used for ritualistic and magical purposes. Possibly made for tourist market.

Owner: Wonderful Winds - St. Louis Airport Display - August 13-Dec 13, 2015
Catalog#: AF-AELV 34 AF-AELV