Gbangbani Trumpet

This is a carved wooden anthropomorphic trumpet, used by the men’s Gbangbani society among the Limba and Loko people in northern Sierra Leone. It has two heads, and parts of it have been painted red. This is a highly secret object that would not normally be seen by women, children or non-Gbangbani members. It is kept in the Gbangbani bush, or grove, outside a village and brought out only for Gbangbani visitations when non-members have to stay indoors with the windows closed. It is thought to have been carved by a Loko carver.

Further Information

  • Type: Religious/ritual equipment, charms, Musical instruments, Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Gbangbani Trumpet
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Loko, Limba
  • Dimensions: 830mm [H] x 170mm [W] x 150mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1972
  • Associated Places: Guinea
  • Associated People: Sothebys Auction Room
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1972.41.1

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