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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
African Musical Instruments : Masai Ivory Trumphet
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Masai Ivory Trumphet - PF.3909
Origin: Kenya
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
18.5" (47.0cm) high
x 2.375" (6.0cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Ivory
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
One of the most beautiful and enriching
creations of the human spirit and genius is the
invention of musical instruments. Over the
centuries they have developed world wide in the
most astonishing array; from the complex
clarinet with its many stops to the simple pan
pipes of ancient Greece. Through these limitless
variety of instruments we can express ourselves
intellectually through musical language, touch
the heart and caress the soul. One of the
great marvels of instruments is their ability to
express a wide range of emotions from an object
so elemental as this very elegant trumpet. Its
range of use is amazing. When a great Masai
chief was to make his entrance the horns would
blow, filling the air with a haunting melody full
of the richness of pageantry. At ceremonies and
weddings they heralded the bride and groom,
letting the whole village know a couple is
beginning a new life together. This horn, though
structurally simple, is in fact very difficult to
perform on, and needs not only much training,
but powerful lungs. An instrument such as this
has great volume, and can be heard from far
away; which is why they were used by
messengers to announce the approach of an
enemy. To hold this horn is to recall the many
fanfares, celebrations, announcements which
marked significant moments in a people's
history- held as if by some force of magic in its
graceful and sleek body.
- (PF.3909)
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