Kudu

A pair of large spiral horns on a diamond wood plaque. In the plaque it says 1901 Kudu
Kudu horns from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Likely Angola
Year: ca. 1901
Materials: Bone, wood and metal 

This species is the Great Kudu, or Tragelaphus strepsiceros. It is the larger of two species and is one of the largest types of antelope native to east and south Africa. The kudu has stripes on the sides of the belly, and male bulls have a long white beard around the chin. Male kudus tend to grow horns between 6-12 months, and majority will end up with two spirals on the horns, though sometimes three are seen.

The horns of the kudu historically and presently make them popular targets for trophy hunters and poachers. These horns are also used to make shofar’s, a Jewish ritual horn. Ronald Harris obtained these horns during his travels to the East African Principate and southern Africa in the early 1900s. It is unclear who killed the animal, likely it was shot by a professional hunter and was eaten before the horns were taken and mounted. Displays of horns and other animal remains are popular in Victorian homes, as animal trophies were signs of travel and adventure.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.