VERY RARE AFRICAN SLAVER'S WAR TRUMPET OLIPHANT

Mid-19th century. 22 ½” length of characteristic form with large raised embouchure. The outstanding feature of this example is that it is skillfully carved of wood. All other examples in our experience are made from ivory tusk which this example faithfully replicates. It is wrapped in snake skin secured with trade wire and the open end decorated with black fur. It probably was made in the 1850s when an ivory shortage hit the world market. It is an instrument used for signaling in war. At the time, tribal war in the Congo was specifically for the purpose of capturing slaves and looting ivory and rubber. Untouched with enormous age character and presence.