Northwestern tip of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of the Congo.

Yombe

Wood
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 13.5 inches; Width: 1.25 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This beautifully carved flute/whistle from the Yombe tribe shows a classic Yombe female figure kneeling, with her hands behind her back.  Possibly a symbol of the slave trade.  It is delicately carved and has a medium brown patina along the stem. Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, whistles function in a variety of contexts, including hunting – signaling, healing, funerary, initiation activities and for personal enjoyment.