Mossi Wood Whistle or Flute, Based

A rounded club of a handle ends in a tiny, many-holed face.

This whistle or flute, based, is Mossi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Carved wooden whistles and flutes are found across West Africa, where they are generally used for signaling, music and ceremony. This one has an egg shaped head with a small crest on top, joined to a long, tapered shaft. At the base is a flat, shield like end with three round holes. The wood is a rich, glossy brown with a few dents of wear. A black base holds it upright. It is 2.5 inches wide and deep and 11.75 high.

A shape that stays very serious about sound.