Democratic Republic of Congo
Kusu

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Height: 17.3 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

A small African Anthropomorphic trumpet/horn in the form of a male figure from Southeastern Congo. This Kusu figure has a long beard representing wisdom and strength and is patterned in a style that is reminiscent of the Kuba (neighbors). Much like the Songye (also neighbors), the Kusu fetish figures are usually male with protruding mouth and an elongated torso framed by set-apart arms and hands resting on their abdomen.  To sound the trumpet/horn, they buzz their lips in the hole below the figure, while holding the instrument horizontal.