Carved ivory hunting horn with figures and inscription

A long, curved ivory horn carved in low relief with bands of figures, animals, and geometric patterns, with a small metal fitting and chain at the narrow mouth. The lower body shows a raised inscription-like word, and the surface is densely worked from tip to flared base against a dark studio backdrop.

Artist

Temne artist

Date

Late 15th century

Medium

Ivory, metal

Source

Smithsonian (National Museum of African Art)

Size

2329 × 2880 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African Art