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Flute - Whistle

Lulua Signal Flute

Democratic Republic of Congo
Lulua

Wood
ca. mid-20th century

Height: 20 cm. (7,87 in.)
Aerophone - Edge-blown - Flute/Whistle

Carefully crafted Lulua signal pipe from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is in the form of a figural head at one end that extends to a bulb-like body with carved incisions. Priests or healers use such items to contact the ancestors. The worship of ancestors is a very important cultural practice in many regions of Africa. Even to the extent that the health and well-being of the community is seen in direct relation to the goodwill of the ancestors, thus they are venerated, respected, and feared.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-AEBH-39-42