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Horns

Villi Trumpet

Gabon and DRC
Villi

Ivory
ca. Early-Mid 20th century

Length: 19.5 inches
Aerophone - Lip Vibrated - Horn

Side-blown trumpet/oliphant of the Villi (Bavilli) people of Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Cabinda, and DRC. Carved at the tip of the trumpet is a female figure kneeling (matrilineal society). Below the figurative finial is the diamond-shaped bulge for the blow-hole. A naturalistic face is carved in high relief on the convex side of the trumpet. Depicted are bands of geometric carvings/symbols throughout. It shows golden to mahogany color from applications of palm oil. Signs of usage and age.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-AELV-17-44