Burkina Faso, primarily the Volta River basin
Mossi

Bronze
ca.19th c.
Height: 5.25 in (w/stand); Width: 1.875 in; Depth: 1.25 in
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This anthropomorphic instrument is a lost wax cast bronze flute with a wide flared mouthpiece near the blow hole and a man’s head and torso decorating the body. There is a hole on either side of the instrument for changing the pitch. The figure featured on the flute has a textured coiffure, long arms with hands touching the face, closed eyes and mouth, and a belly button near the mouthpiece.   A ceremonial piece to pay tribute to an ancestor.