|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
African Musical Instruments : Benin Ivory Horn
|
 |
|
|
|
Benin Ivory Horn - PF.5580
Origin: Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
12.875" (32.7cm) high
x 1.375" (3.5cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Ivory
$5,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
When one imagines great kings we see red
carpets and glittering jewels, and hear the horns
playing. Surely, this picture is not too far
removed from the Kingdom of Benin. While the
Oba would have worn coral and ivory instead of
precious gemstones, and the red carpet was
perhaps animal skins, the same regal trumpeting
would have greeted him, sounded from such an
ivory horn like this one. Even today, when our
world leaders and dignitaries make a formal
entrance, they are ushered in by a tune. Music
both signals their arrivals and separates them
from the rest of the crowd. The blaring trumpets
and banging drums thus seek to confirm the
lofty status of kings and presidents. As we today
admire musical instruments for their functional
beauty and stylish design, much like
automobiles, we can easily appreciate the
inherent artistry and delicate craftsmanship of
this stunning work. The pointed headdress of the
Queen Mother is masterfully adapted to the
conical termination of the elephant’s tusk.
Intricate abstract patterns are carved into
decorative bands throughout the horn. This
splendid instrument is so much more than that.
Although the tunes it once made have been
silenced along with the footsteps of the king,
this horn retains the marks of the artist’s hands.
This horn, like a Stradivarius, is appreciated
more for the beauty of its form than for the
sounds of its function.
- (PF.5580)
|
| |
|
