Bidspirit auction | MANGBETU TRUMPET NAMBURUSE

MANGBETU TRUMPET NAMBURUSE - Ca. late 19th - 20th century AD. A finely carved trumpet of elongated form, with a hollowed mouthpiece and resonating chamber. The surface shows a rich reddish-brown colour, enhanced at the wider end with a section of snakeskin covering. These trumpets were traditionally sounded during ceremonies, communal gatherings and served as emblems of chiefly authority. The addition of snakeskin was not only decorative but imbued the instrument with protective and spiritual symbolism.Size: 450mm x 80mm; Weight: 380gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Zemanek Munster, Auction 5928, November 2009, Lot 521.