Mali and Burkina Faso

Bwa

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Height: 35cm
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

Bwa or Burkinabe flute carved in the akimbo form (a body position in which the hands are on the hips and the elbows are bent). The high relief carving in the front displays a female on bent knees with both arms down and hands on abdomen.  Incised geometric design patterns also ornament this flute.  It  is carved from one piece of wood and comes from Burkina Fasco. Skilled carving for art market.