African Ceremonial Horn Cowrie Shell Adornment Hide Cap Trade Beads Ethnographic

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A substantial African ceremonial horn with hand-stitched hide and fur cap, a full line of cowrie shells running the length … Read more A substantial African ceremonial horn with hand-stitched hide and fur cap, a full line of cowrie shells running the length of the horn body, and colored trade beads at the tip. Natural leather carrying strap attached at the cap. The construction throughout is consistent with genuine ethnographic use, hide is hand-stitched with sinew or cord, the cowrie shells are individually strung and tied, and the horn itself shows natural age patina. Cowrie shells carry profound spiritual and cultural significance across sub-Saharan Africa, historically used as currency, as protective talismans, and as markers of wealth and ritual status from West to East Africa. See less