Upper Volta (Burkina Faso)

Lobi

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 12 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

Burkina Faso is a multi-ethnic nation with about sixty ethnic and linguistic groups. The Lobi people in Burkina Faso are located in the upper volta region.

These flutes called bile, are made in different sizes to serve different purposes, small flutes, such as the one seen here are used when hunting, while the medium and large flutes are used in village festivals/celebrations and to honor deceased elders.  Flutes are also made in zoomorphic or anthropomorphic forms/shapes.   This Lobi hunter’s flute shows usage and age.