Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)
Kuba

Wood and skin/leather
Early 20th century with dark patina
Length: 20 cm
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

Old whistle from the Kuba tribe of the DR Congo. The whistle has been covered by leather/skin. Geometric designs have been carved throughout the top of the whistle with two eyes at either side of the one finger hole which, along with the turned up “nose” makes it appear as the face of a warthog. At the back of the top a human face has been carved. The covering below the “blow-hole” and above the “nose” has deteriorated as has some of the covering along the stem from age and usage. Nice patina from usage and age.