Figurative Whistle - Yaka People - Wood - Congo DRC, 6" tall

Priced in Mexican Pesos.  This piece was made for trade, not an authentic piece from the group or tribe mentioned herein.. Figurative Whistle (Ndemba).  Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Yaka peoples.  In African tribal art we find figurative objects such as musical instruments. At the Yaka, the leader of a hunt uses a whistle or yimbila to warn other trackers or to call his dog. The lateral extension of the instrument is used to modulate the tone. The image associated with it protects the hunter and brings him good luck in his business.  Whistles are mostly used in the height of the dry season during mass hunting, when game must be (often with a fire wall) to a pen surrounded by large nets.   It measures 6" tall (w/ the stand 8.5").