Gabon and DRC
Vili

Ivory and reptile skin
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 23 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

Side-blown oliphant/horn 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). Opposite the diamond-shaped bulge and blow-hole is a naturalistic face carved in high relief. Below the blow-hole are bands of geometric carvings and well-wrapped reptile/snake skin. This trumpet 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.