Two call horns - Lot 10

Two call horns Asmat area, Irian Jaya, New Guinea Carved and engraved bamboo H. 36 cm each Provenance: Ex-sale Eve SVV, Arts Premiers, Galerie Bernheim Jeune, Paris, December 8, 2014, lot no. 2 Richly decorated with geometric motifs covering the entire surface of these carved bamboos, these two figures were used as musical instruments. The Asmat groups of southwestern New Guinea used this type of calling trumpet, locally named "fu" carved from thick sections of bamboo. As the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York points out (see inventory number 1978.412.1022 in their collection), fu horns, mainly used as calling instruments, were originally closely associated with warfare. When attacking an enemy village, Asmat warriors used these instruments to produce powerful sounds designed to terrify their enemies and make them stand still. Returning to the village after a successful attack, the warriors would again sound the horns to proclaim their triumph. They were also played at male initiations to accompany the sound of drums. Condition report: Traces of wear consistent with use and age, surface scratches good patina a few holes caused by woodworm