Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Sundi

Wood and antelope horns
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 8 inches; Width: 2.5 inches
Aerophone -Wind Instrument Proper – Edge-blown Flute

Sundi Divination Janus Flute made from wood and antelope horns from the ‘Vili’ sub-group of the DRC (Zaire). This flute is topped by a finely carved miniaturized couple. The flute (“Nsiba”) were carried by prominent members of the community such as chiefs or healer-diviner and were used in rituals performed to heal the sick or combat witchcraft. The name “nsiba” is a combination of “nsia” (species of antelope known as Silviapa) and the verb “siba” which describes the role or function of these flutes when used by a diviner.  Please note that while in classification they are known as “edge-blown (blow-hole)” flutes, they may be referred to as “whistles” by the Sundi people.