Mali, Burkina Faso
Bwa

Wood and skin
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 11 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This superb Bwa flute/whistle shows the ancient akimbo style (limbs bent – an abstraction reminding of a standing person with hands on the hips ). It has been covered with animal gut or reptile skin that clings to the flute giving it a magical appearance. It has a lovely patina from long time traditional use.