Democratic Republic of Congo
Lulua

Wood
20th century
Height: 20 cm (7.87 in.); Length: 6 cm (2.36 in.); Width: 6 cm (2.36 in.)
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This carefully crafted African signal flute from the Lulua People, is in the form of a figural head at one end, with a bulb-like body serving as the resonator at the other end. It is hand carved from one piece of wood.  It has the characteristic fascial scarification typical of the Lulua.  Priests and healers use such flutes to aid them in contacting the ancestors. The worship of ancestors is a very important cultural practice in many regions of South Africa. Even to the extent that the health and well-being of the community is seen in direct relation to the goodwill of the ancestors, thus they are both venerated, respected, and feared.