TRUMPETS
Uganda
Aerophones

Although there is knowledge of the diffusion in Africa of various types of flutes and trumpets, it is not easy to find instruments that stand out significantly from the most common basic models and the traditionally recurring forms in the category of aerophones (or wind instruments). In the case of these two STRAIGHT TRUMPETS from Uganda, we are in the presence of rather special instruments. They are two original ceremonial trumpets, identical to those on display at the tombs of the BAGNYORO KINGS of BUGNORO, in the city of HOYMA. Made from a single block of carved wood, they are completely covered with the hide from a cow's tail, sewn directly on to the wooden trumpet. Some thin tree twigs are tied along the instrument (by string made from plant fibres). In general, this type of instrument was made in a series of seven trumpets of varying sizes. They are played transversally, forcefully blowing into the only lateral hole on the instrument; the hole on the thinner end is kept closed with a finger or with a sort of plug made from a plant. The sound varies according to the dimensions (length and diameter of the instrument's opening). Versions covered in snake skin have been found.