Whistle with Kneeling Female Figure and Child

19th–early 20th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This exquisite miniature sculpture depicts a kneeling female figure gazing forward while supporting an infant on her back. It is positioned at the tip of the conical horn of a duiker antelope. The form is a variety of whistle deployed in Kongo society by hunters and priests (banganga) in their metaphysical quests.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Whistle with Kneeling Female Figure and Child
Date: 19th–early 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Cabinda, Angola
Culture: Kongo peoples
Medium: Ivory, horn
Dimensions: H. 6 in. (15.2 cm), W. 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm), D. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
Credit Line: Private collection
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing