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2000.43.1

Side-blown trumpet with anthropo/zoomorhpic carving.

2000.43.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Side-blown trumpet with anthropo/zoomorhpic carving.
Long description
Side-blown trumpet of bloodwood (Brosimum cf. rubescens). The central section has been carved into a figure with elements of human and jaguar iconography. The figure has circular eyes of inlaid shell.
Cultural groups
Apinayé; Apinajé
Date / Period
Date made: AD 1517–1667 (possibly AD 1625-1667), uncertain
Date collected
By 1903
Acquisition information
Transferred: 1886 Found unentered: Unknown date
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Material Palm Leaf Plant, Material Mother of Pearl Shell, Process Perforated, Process Split, Process Hollowed, Process Bound, Process Decorated
Dimensions
Length: max 978 mm, Height: max 70 mm, Width: max 80 mm, Height 129 mm Figure only
Object numbers
Accession number: 2000.43.1 Other PRM accession number: 1903.130.29
Research and responses

The term side-blown is preferred to side-blast for this type of object [RTS 6/12/2004, after pers. comm. HLR].

A sample of resin was taken from the trumpet by J. Ostapkowicz as part of her project jagWars (Jaguars, Raptors and the Patterns of War - 14th to 18th Century South American Indigenous Sculptural Arts) and subjected to carbon 14 analysis - it is dated between AD1517 and 1667. A sample of wood was also taken, and analysed by Caroline Cartwright at the British Museum. It was identified as Brosimum cf. rubescens (bloodwood, cacique). Strontium isotope analysis suggests an origin in the Trombetas region of Brazil. A publication is forthcoming (JU 11/8/25). See RDF for a copy of the associated published article.

Associated publications
Jaguars and raptorial birds: The ancient wood carving arts of Northeastern South America (Trombetas River region, Brazil)., Main author: Joanna Ostapkowicz ; UK, 2026
Ostapkowicz, J. et al. (2026) “Jaguars and raptorial birds: The ancient wood carving arts of Northeastern South America (Trombetas River region, Brazil)” in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (70), pp. 1-21.

Search terms: Music, Musical Instrument, Trumpet

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