Bafo
Horn
Bafo, 1800-1899
Scroll
Bafo
Horn
Bafo, 1800-1899
Physical Qualities
Ivory, 9 1/4 x 1 3/16 x 1 3/4 in. (23.5 x 3 x 4.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger
Object Number
1954.145.108
The secret Musongo judiciary society may have used the horn during proceedings to settle disputes and determine guilt or innocence. The carved Janus figures on the horn are similar in posture and gesture to sacred figures upon which oaths were taken. Anyone who swore falsely to their innocence before such figures would be afflicted with misfortune as punishment for their transgressions.
