Southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo

Suku

Wood
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 7.25 in; Width: 1.75 in; Depth: 2 in
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This anthropomorphic whistle features a fully carved head and neck extending at one extremity; it was carved from a single piece of wood. A stylized head with high coiffure and additional geometric patterns are engraved at front and back of the instrument’s body. The surface layer gives it its shiny finish.
This whistle’s decorative design is at the confluence of an array of culture groups located in southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Angola, among which are the Yaka, Suku, Mbala, and Chokwe peoples. The overall oblong-bulb shape of the body, supported underneath with two extended short side protrusions and modulating holes, is typical of whistles found among the Yaka and Suku. The coiffure relates to the neighboring Mbala.