Democratic Republic of Congo
Songye

Wood
Mid 20th Century
Height: 17cm (7 inches)
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This Songye flute/whistle, in the shape of a figure with a Kifewebe style mask, is played by blowing across the end hole and with your finger, cover or open the one stop (hole) in the middle to modulate the sound. These flutes were used by hunters to signal to one another and their dogs. On the back side is a lug for a lanyard, so the hunter could wear the flute around their neck.