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A plain, tapering tube topped by a bulbous open end and an appendage with a single finger hole is a common southern Congolese whistle form. This rare instrument, an elaboration of the simpler form, is incised with line-filled triangles, and decorated with coiled copper wire and an imposing fluted lance carved at its lower end. Among the Kuba people nshyemb may also indicate an ivory flute.
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Title: Whistle
Date: early 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Kuba, Ngend or Yaka people
Medium: Wood, copper wire
Dimensions: L. 42 cm (16½ in.)
Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-whistle
Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Herbert J. Harris, by exchange and the Barrington Foundation Inc. Gift, 1993
Object Number: 1993.320
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