Court of Benin, Nigeria
Edo

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

A magnificent Edo (Court of Benin in Nigeria) side-blown horn/trumpet with signs of age and dark brown color. The top finial shows a female kneeling (image of the “iyoba,” or mother of the “Oba” King), holding her breast. The high relief carvings below include reptiles and standing men with a scepter/staff, all symbolic of a ritual objects/instruments. Horns/trumpets like this one produce one or two pitches and are played singly, or in ensembles.