A kneeling female surmounts this handsome side-blown trumpet. She has her hands placed just under her breasts, and is naked except for a tall hat with a long trailing “veil” handing down the back. Two bands in relief encircle the upper and middle sections, each decorated with a pattern of short lined at an angle. A pattern of two overlapping zigzag bands within a double border decorates the bottom area. Two loops on the back made it possible to carry the trumpet by a strap over the shoulder. Most of the luxury objects of the Kongo, including musical instruments, were made for the royal court, especially those in ivory. Both the Yombe and Woyo, sub-tribes of the Kongo, create scepters surmounted by female figures. Side-blown trumpets are ancient in origin, and this lovely example may have been used as a musical instrument, or perhaps as a herald for a royal procession.