Benin, Nigeria:

Ivory trumpet with figural reliefs. The lower front with a human head (of a king, called 'Oba'). A crocodile above. Pierced, snake-form ornamental trim on each side. The blow hole is located on the exterior of the ivory tusk. This is typical of side-blown trumpets from Benin, as is the style and design of this rare object from the Kingdom of Benin, which was destroyed in 1897 by a British 'Punitive Expedition'. Such blow horns were used to announce the presence of the 'Oba' (king). 18th/19th century or earlier. Complete, with an excellent, perfect, old usage patina. Very rare! (ME)

Prov.: Austrian collection. Published in: 'Kulte, Künstler, Könige in Afrika', Eisenhofer, 133. Lit.: 'Die Altertümer von Benin", Luschan, Ill. 116; 'Antique works of art from Benin', Pitt-Rivers, Ill. 27; 'Benin. Könige und Rituale', Plankensteiner, 483, Ill. 269;'Royal Art of Benin', Ezra, Metropolitan Museum, p. 311, Ill. 160; 'Encyclopedia of African Art a Culture', K.-F. Schädler, p. 95; 'Sounding Forms. African Musical Instruments', p. 159, Ill. 118; 'Kunst aus dem alten Afrika', Kecskesi, MVK München, p. 174. ASA

Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt