This type of side-blown trumpet, produced for various nkumu
(leaders), was originally used in battle. Today it is employed
to add prestige to such ceremonies as the investiture or
marriage of a nkumu, the birth of twins, or the propitiation of
hunting and planting spirits. The faceted elephant tusk with a
raised diamond-shaped mouthpiece on the concave side is typical
of many Congolese trumpets. A flanged wood extension, painted
with black-and-white stripes and checks, is similar in shape to
the headpieces worn by Ekonda leaders. This form, characteristic
of royal motifs at the turn of the century, also appears on
special drums and rhythm-keeping stamping sticks.