Cameroon grasslands
Tikar

Wood carving wrapped in leather
ca. Early 20th Century
Height: 36 inches
Aerophone – Lip-Vibrated – Horn

This Tikar figural trumpet serves as a musical instrument and as a work of sculptural significance in many religious and secular ceremonial functions of the Tikar people. A human form (possibly pregnant female) serves as the finial to the instrument with slightly bent knees (posture – attitude) and both arms pointing to the chest (gesture – thought). The rest of the horn is covered in skin/leather with indented geometric design and symbols.