Horns

Bamum Figural Horn

Cameroon
Bamun

Horn, Cloth, Fiber
ca. Mid-20th century

Length: 21 inches
Aerophone - Lip Vibrated - Horn

Bamum traditionally carved side-blown trumpet/horn with wooden figural female kneeling on top. The top finial is 4.35 inches. The grassland region, in south-west Cameroon, is a hilly and mountainous area covered by an equatorial forest in the south and a savannah in the north. Since its colonization by the Germans in 1884, this entire region, in particular the Bamileke, BAMUN and Tikar territories, has attracted the attention of western scholars because of its artistic heritage. The sultanate of BAMUN is ruled by a single, sacred king, known as the Fon, who resides in the capital Fumban. The artistic production of the people living in the grassland of Cameroon is closely associated with royal and societal ceremonies. Large figures, thrones and prestige paraphernalia are used by the king to assert his power. Statues representing ancestors are found all over the BAMUN and Bamilke areas. These figures, representing the king's wifes and his attendants, are usually stored in a secret part of the palace and are displayed when a foreign dignatary visits or during important ceremonies headed by the king.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-AELV-18-45

© Hartenberger World Music Collection