British Columbia
Northwest Coast / Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, (also called Kwakiutl)

Wood, seal skin, hemp
Early 20th century
Length: 12.25 inches; Width: 2.5 inches; Depth: 2 inches
Free Aerophones – Free Reeds

A pair of Pacific NW (British Columbia) Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, (also called Kwakiutl) reed whistles. They make an amazing reedy or buzzy sound when you blow in the narrow end.  These flutes were used by the Kwakwaka’wakw in the ritual winter season tsetseka ceremonies.  The word tsetseka comes from the Heitsuk (Bella, Bella) word for ‘shaman,’ and is used to refer to winter and is considered supernatural.  Dances are carefully prepared for the tsetseka ceremony that becomes a sort of live theater of terror, frenzy, drama, illusion and comedy lasting for several days.