Oliphant

16th century, inventoried 1843

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

At least ten Kongo oliphants reached Europe; likely presentation pieces, all lack signs of use. Each carved elephant tusk features a mouthpiece on the inner curve, toward the horn’s upper limit, and suspension lugs, that may show European influence. Delicately inscribed bands of abstract geometric patterns with an array of interlace designs embellish their surfaces in horizontal and diagonally spiraling bands. In Kongo thought, this design scheme of a continuous spiral is a visual metaphor for the path taken through time by the dead. Movement in a spiral trajectory is referenced by the term zinga, meaning “to encircle.” Metal attachments and a length of red cord were attached once this work was in Europe, indicating that it might have been used as an instrument.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Oliphant
Date: 16th century, inventoried 1843
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Angola
Culture: Kongo peoples; Kongo Kingdom
Medium: Ivory, metal (gilt silver?), fiber
Dimensions: L.19 7/8 in. (50.5 cm), Diam. 3 3/4 (9.5 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Musical Instruments
Credit Line: Musée National de la Renaissance, Château d’Écouen, France
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing