Lobi Iron Whistle or Flute, Based

A whistle that looks back at you. The Lobi saw no reason it shouldn’t.

Lobi sculptors often joined human figures to useful objects, and small wind instruments were carried for signaling and in ceremonial life. This one, carved in wood in Burkina Faso in the 20th century, has a standing figure with a rounded cap of hair, slit eyes and full lips, arms held close, hands meeting at the waist. Below, the body becomes the instrument, carved with concentric arcs and flaring into two pointed flanges. The patina is dark and glossy, worn smooth by handling.

Five and a quarter inches, on a black base.