H x W x D: 39.1 x 7.6 x 16.5 cm (15 3/8 x 3 x 6 1/2 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Part of the regalia of Kuba soldiers in the 19th and 20th centuries were carved drinking horns made of bush buffalo horn. The bush buffalo is an aggressive and dangerous beast. The symbolism is apparent since the horn shape was retained in wood copies. This example, in horn, has the typical motifs of concentric circles and interlace knot. Clear and precisely cut, the designs resemble scarification patterns. The cord piercing the horn near the tip allowed its owner to wear the horn when he was not using it to drink palm wine.
Description:
Twisted animal horn with plaited strap near point and carved with raised geometric designs.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, ca. 1951 to 1973
Exhibition History:
African Emblems of Status, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 29, 1982-April 3, 1983
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
