Chiefs Horn

An ivory horn, with a fine red patina and three metal loops. This example has a particularly detailed mouth piece, with one full figure, and a band of human heads, carved in relief. It was bought at an auction in 1918. Horns of this kind were often called war horns but a chiefs horn is a more accurate description as they were most commonly played by a hornblower who attended the chief. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection, originally acquired at Puttick and Simpsons Auction Rooms, London, in 1908. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments, Regalia, Ivories
• Object: Chiefs Horn
• Materials: Bone, ivory, tooth, Metal
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 540mm [L] x 120mm [W] x 80mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1954
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.910

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