Gabon and DRC
Vili

Ivory
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 19.5 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

Side-blown horn/oliphant of the Vili (Bavili) people of Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Cabinda, and DRC. Carved at the tip of the trumpet is a female figure kneeling (matrilineal society). Below the figurative finial is the diamond-shaped bulge for the blow-hole to buzz your lips in to produce a sound.  A naturalistic face is carved in high relief on the convex side of the trumpet. Depicted are bands of geometric carvings/symbols throughout. It shows golden to mahogany color from applications of palm oil. Signs of usage and age.

Like in most central Bantu groups, the Vili, a subgroup of the Bakongo people pass the social status through matrilineal succession. This matrilineal succession supports the power to the mother’s lineage.  Thus, only females are eligible to inherit status and property.  Nevertheless, in this matriarchal society, the mother’s brother decides where his sister’s children will study and what they will pursue as a career.