Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Chokwe

Wood
Early-Mid 20th Century

Length: 12 cm
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This is a very well sculpted prestige whistle from the Chokwe people of DCR (Zaire). It depicts a woman crouching on top of a fish. The knees flexed and arms thrust forward. It has a rich brown patina and shows signs of handling along the torso. The small hold under the neck would be for a rope to carry it; most probably around the neck. Shallow chip-carved incisions define the facial features.