Democratic Republic of Congo
Luba

Wood / Raffia
20th century
Height: 15cm (5.91 in.); Length: 3 cm (1.18 in.); Width: 4 cm (1.57 in.)
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This Janus signal flute comes from the Luba of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is hand carved at one end in the form of two women heads, each with a high coiffure signifying their status. Priests and healers use such objects to contact the ancestors. There are two finger holes on each side used for altering the pitch.