Back to Gallery

Horns

Mangbetu Ivory Trumpet

Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Mangbetu

Ivory
Early 20th Century

Length: 48 cm
Aerophone - Lip Vibrated - Horn

Mangbetu or Sudan ivory trumpet/horn. In many cultures of Western or Central Africa local rulers and kings used to be accompanied to receptions, official events, council meetings or war campaigns by horn-playing heralds. In rural areas these heralds played on wooden transverse (oliphants) trumpets/horns, whereas in royal cultures it was a privilege and a status symbol to use ivory ones. Shows old age and usage tracks.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-AELV-27-46