Burkinabe Leather Whistle or Flute

Slim standing figure, bound with cord, has a rust-red head and a black stand.

This wood and leather whistle or flute is from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Wooden whistles are generally made by hollowing a length of wood and cutting a blow hole and a sound hole, and leather is often used for cords and fittings. Narrow carved figure with a rounded reddish head, a dark wrapped torso and stringy lashings crossing the body. The wood is grainy and worn, tapering at the foot, and it rests on a square black base. It is 2 inches wide, 2 deep and 6 high.

Tied up neatly and standing very straight about it.