Democratic Republic of Congo
Songye

Horn, metal
Early 20th Century
Length: 12.5 inches 
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

This horn rattle is from the Songye tribe of DR Congo and was used as a rhythmic noise maker at celebrations and festivals. It is made from the horn of a water buffalo.  There are 15 double metal ringlets attached to the rim of the horn. The ringlets enable the horn to be shook as rattles which emit a bright jingling sound when jostled. This appears to have a lot of age and wear.  The wear is especially apparent around the section about two-thirds down towards the tip, which is where it would have been held.  (Provenance: Former diplomat selling off his collection of rare and authentic African art.)