Excavations in the historic core of Benin City have brought to light a pair of magnificent ivory trumpets inlaid with delicate copper bands. These instruments, dating to the late 16th century, were found within a ritual chamber dedicated to harvest deities. Experts believe they were the primary musical instruments for the 'Yam-Spirit' masquerades.
The discovery confirms the longevity of the masquerade tradition, showing that the specific regalia and instruments used in modern Nigerian harvest festivals have remained consistent for centuries. The trumpets are currently being conserved at the national museum to preserve their intricate carvings of ancestral spirits.