NMM 1480. Natural trumpet (towel), Sepik Region, Papua New Guinea, 19th century. Side-blown natural trumpet made of taun wood with a human head carved at the top. Embouchure hole surrounded by vertical rows of carved, curvilinear designs. Most trumpets throughout New Guinea function as signaling instruments and only produce one note. They were traditionally sounded to announce an approaching raiding or head-hunting party. In some areas, they may also be played in ensembles. Length: 44 cm (17.3"). Board of Trustees, 1976.

Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM

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