Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)
Kuba

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 19 cm
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This Anthropomorphic one-piece Kuba flute from the Congo is in the form of a hand with the depiction of a face at the top with an opened mouth that serves as the finger hole. The single finger hole, is a common characteristic of the southern Congolese whistle form. Flutes play an important part in mask dances. This flute shows usage traces and drying cracks.