Transverse horn

This Congolese transverse horn is made from an elephant tusk. The mouthpiece is not at the end, but set on the side of the instrument. Transverse horns are very common in Africa. Able to produce only a single tone, their piercing sound makes them an ideal signal instrument for ceremonial occasions. They precede the king and mark the opening of his audiences. Accompanied by drums, they are played in ensembles at important occasions in the ruler’s life.

To fashion the mouthpiece of this example, the maker had to scrape away a great deal of costly ivory. The material and the refined decorative finishing make this a valuable item.