Upper Volta (Burkina Faso)

Lobi

Wood
Mid 20th century
Length: 24.5 in; Width: 3.75 in; Depth: 1.375 in
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

An old well used tribal flute called bile, with a beautiful elegant form, incised markings on the wing mouthpiece and fine aged blackish patina of the Volta Lobi people. Burkina Faso is a multiethnic nation with about sixty ethnic and linguistic groups. 

These flutes are made in different sizes to serve different purposes, small flutes are used when hunting, while the medium and large flutes are used in village festivals/celebrations and to honor deceased elders.  Flutes are also made in zoomorphic or anthropomorphic forms/shapes.