Cameroon
Bamileke

Wood
ca. Early-20th century
Length: 28 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

This impressive royal palace trumpet/horn with dark vegetable patina, comes from the Bamileke people of Cameroon.  It is used for ceremonial events.  The Royal Trumpet is carved from one piece of wood, with expressive groove decorations and depiction of a royal male figure seated on the top with hands clasped. The carved abstract spider motif decoration on the body of the horn is a sign of royalty.  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.