Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Kuba

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Height: 20 cm. (7,87 in.)
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

Carefully crafted  anthropomorphic Kuba signal flute from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is in the form of a figural head at one end that extends to a bulb-like body with carved incisions. Priests or healers use such items to contact the ancestors. The worship of ancestors is a very important cultural practice in many regions of 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 venerated, respected, and feared.