Northwestern Cameroon Region – Bamenda 
Bamileke

Wood
Early-Mid 20th Century
Height: 33 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

Adhering to tradition, the Bamileke People hold a long and elaborate ceremony when the king is introduced to his subjects. The festivities include dancing, special food, and ceremonial music. This chief’s trumpet is played to announce the presence of the new king. It is sculptured with chameleons at the base, and a bushcow (buffalo) head in the center, with the Fon King head on top. Chameleons and spiders are considered by the Bamileke to be messengers to the gods – creatures who could move between earth and water.  As with most Bamileke trumpets/horns the lips are buzzed into a raised blow-hole to create the sound and is held in a horizontal position.