Central Mali

Wood
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 37.5 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

The Bamana people of Mali are primarily agriculturalists. Bamana religion is mainly fulfilled through the six initiatory societies, the N’domo, Komo, Nama, Kono, Tyiwara and Koré, all of which involve the usage of masks. This Bamana trumpet/horn is possibly for the Komo Society ceremonies. The closed top end of the trumpet/horn is in the shape of a zoomorphic (antelope) head. The carved wooden horns are bridged together as a handle for holding the horn while it is played in a horizontal position. The player’s lips are buzzed into the extended diamond-shaped blow-hole on the side below the antelope head figure. The opposite end of the horn is shaped into a bulbous bell.