Burkina Faso, primarily the Volta River basin
Mossi

Bronze
ca.19th c.
Height: 4.75 in (w/stand); Width: 1.5 in; Depth: 1.25 in
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This zoomorphic instrument is a lost wax cast bronze flute with a wide flared mouthpiece near the blow hole and a rooster’s head and torso decorating the body. There is a hole on either side of the instrument near the mouthpiece for changing the pitch by opening and closing  the holes with one finger on each hand. The rooster’s head has an open beak and eyes, with a swirling headpiece. The body has a cast lined motif with four raised dots on the front and back running down toward the mouthpiece.