Whistles

Small in size and simple in form, these traditional wooden whistles offer an interesting glimpse into everyday life in Central Africa.

They come from the inheritance of a Belgian colonial who returned to Belgium in 1960. This provenance provides a historical connection to the period when these objects were brought back from Central Africa, although their precise place of origin and original use remain uncertain.

Whistles served various purposes among the peoples of the Congo region. Beyond their use as musical instruments during ceremonies and masquerade performances, small whistles could also function as signalling devices, for example when communicating across dense equatorial forests during hunting.

These examples are modest objects rather than elaborate figurative carvings. Their appeal lies in their traditional form, their age and the insight they offer into the everyday material culture of Central Africa.

I have several similar pairs available. The photographs show examples from this selection; one pair will be selected at random for each purchase, subject to availability.

An unusual addition to a collection of traditional African objects, or an original gift for someone curious about African art.

Please note: International shipping costs, particularly to the United States, may be relatively high compared with the price of the whistles.