Animal horn or tusk trumpets with mouthpieces drilled into the
side are found throughout Africa. Ivory trumpets often symbolize
kingly power, and those associated with royal ensembles are
decorated with skins, wooden extensions, and beautiful carving.
This is true among the Mangbetu of the Democratic Republic of
Congo, who fashioned this instrument. Once acquired, the ivory
is entrusted to carvers who may take over two months to re-form
the tusk and make it playable. Royal instruments are carved in
deep relief with ridges and a projecting mouthpiece, seen, in
this example, at right of center. Another conspicuous royal
motif, appearing at the left, is a canoe-shaped design. Elegant
trumpets like this one are used in pairs to accompany dances or
signal the entrance and departure of the king. Europeans prized
instruments such as this because of their elegant design, and
the Mangbetu responded by producing trade instruments that were
unfinished and unplayable. The Museum's trumpet, however, is
masterfully finishe