1: A large transverse horn made of ivory. Of the Mongo or Mangbetu people in Congo. With an oval, thickened mouthpiece, with semicircle lines in relief on each side and a rectangular blow hole. The upper end with a pierced finial. Good, old, honey-coloured patina on the ivory. An old, long crack on the back. L: c. 70 cm.
2: A smaller dagger with ivory hilt and leather sheath. Of the Mangbetu people in northern Congo. The double-edged blade consists of local, African iron, the hilt, typical of the tribe, is made of ivory. The leather sheath is partly wrapped with iron bands. L: 23 cm.
3. A bangle made of ivory. Of the Dinka people in South Sudan. In a typical shape with inward-bulging sides and raised ridge. Different decorations on both sides: On one side dots in all-round and zig-zag lines, on the other side all-round circle-dot lines. A beautiful, very old object with light to dark brown usage patina (on the inside!). Ivory darkens and becomes speckled with time.
All three objects: before or c. 1900. DM: c. 11 cm to 12 cm (on the outside), 6.5 cm to 7 cm (on the inside).

Provenance: The ivory trumpet from Congo comes from the property of an aristocratic family in Tourhout, Belgium. It was purchased in c. 1900 in Congo. Currently: Belgian private collection. The Mangbetu knife and the Dinka bangle originate from the collection of the Maria Colen monastery in Antwerp, Belgium. The nuns of the ‘Congregatie van de Systers Marie Colen’ (founded in the 17th century) were active as missionaries in Congo in the 19th century. Currently: Belgian private collection. (ME) ASA