The Republic of Congo
Congolese

Ivory, leather, and reptile skin

ca. Mid 1800s or earlier
Length: 13 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

This Congolese ivory horn is a reflection Africa’s artistic expression and social history.  It comes from the west-central region in Lower Congo, where the people trace their heritage to the Kingdom of Congo.   Ivory was a precious commodity that was strictly controlled by Congo chiefs and kings. With the rise of transatlantic trade from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, ivory became one of the most valuable African natural resources desired by Western industry.  At first, the Congo ivory carvers worked only for the indigenous leaders and elites, but with the interest of the European and other foreign tradesmen, they expanded their repertoire as artifacts for those who were involved with trade.

The horns (sometimes called trumpets) of Sub-Sahara are blown from the side of the horn, either on the convex or concave curve (as seen here) depending on the regional tradition.  The top end of the horns was closed.  These side-blown horns were held in a horizontal position and were used at various occasions.  The ivory examples were most likely reserved for sacred or solemn circumstances, such as in a funeral procession.  This horn is wrapped in leather at the top with a long leather fringe.  In the middle of the horn is a band of reptile skin.  This Congolese ivory horn has a natural glossy ivory patina with signs of use and possibly dates from the mid part of the 19^th century or older.