Ndu (ceremonial drinking horn)

early 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 344

This exquisitely adorned vessel for imbibing palm wine was fashioned by Bamum court artists during the reign of Ibrahim Njoya (r. 1887–1931). Used for both drinking and pouring libations, the work has a delicate rim embellished with blue and white beading in a chevron, or "spear," pattern, indicating success in warfare. The horn, sourced from a powerful buffalo, has been intricately incised with a combination of local reptilian motifs and a floral design likely introduced through trade. The colorful flourish of a human head adorning its tip features a style of crown that was reserved for the fon (ruler) on ritual occasions. Such prized ndu were once so intimately associated with their royal owners that they were reputedly buried alongside them.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ndu (ceremonial drinking horn)
Artist: Grassfields artists
Date: early 20th century
Geography: Cameroon, Bamum
Culture: Bamum kingdom
Medium: Buffalo horn, glass beads, fiber, and cotton cloth
Dimensions: H. 14 × W. 11 7/8 × D. 5 1/2 in. (35.6 × 30.2 × 14 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Containers
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
Object Number: 1979.206.34
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Grassfields artists, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region — Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel
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Helmet crest from a nja masquerade, Grassfields artists, Wood, copper, glass beads, raffia palm, cowrie shells, Bamum kingdom — Helmet crest from a nja masquerade
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ca. 1800–80

Ndop (royal display cloth), Grassfields artists, Cotton, wool, dye, Bamileke peoples — Ndop (royal display cloth)
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Ashetu prestige cap, Grassfields artist, Cotton, other material (?), Cameroon — Ashetu prestige cap
Grassfields artist
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Prestige gown, Cotton, wool, dye, Grassfields region — Prestige gown
Grassfields region
early–mid-20th century

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