A Tanzanian Magical Horn, Tanzania

the curved horn of a bush buck antelope (tragelaphus scriptus) with a heavily encrusted woven element at the end, surmounted by a seated monkey figure with the hand touching the mouth; exceptionally fine glossy patina on the horn, the monkey figure with traces of pigment.

Carl and Wilma Zabel, Tenafly

Tenafly, New Jersey, African Art Museum of the S. M. A. Fathers, The Discerning Eye: African Art from the Collection of Carl and Wilma Zabel,  June 5 - September 25, 2005

Charles Bordogna, The Discerning Eye: African Art from the Collection of Carl and Wilma Zabel, Tenafly, 2005, pp. 2 and 10

very good condition overall; wear and tear from traditional use; exceptionally fine glossy patina on the horn, the money figure with traces of pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Felix (1990: 452) notes: "The horns of various animals were filled with symbolic substances and closed by a large stopper carved in the shape of a human or animal head or sometimes a human torso. They were used to cure, heal, cast spells, divine, and exorcise, and are found mainly among the peoples in [the northern Tanzanian hinterland and] all the way to the Kenya[n] hinterland." The iconography of a seated monkey with its hand touching the mouth is rare.