Mossi Wood Whistle or Flute, Based

Dark as strong coffee, with a pointed hat and sharp shoulders.

This whistle or flute is the work of Mossi carvers in Burkina Faso, West Africa, made in wood in the 20th century. Carved wind instruments of this kind are often associated with signaling, music and ceremony. The rounded upper end carries a ridged, snake-like head, and two angular arms bracket a central ridge decorated with fine crosshatching. The broad shaft tapers to a small reddish tip. The wood has an almost black, glossy surface.

About fourteen inches tall, on a black stand. It looks formal, like it dressed for dinner.