Ndemba (hunting whistle)
Within Yaka communities, the designs of utilitarian objects have been enhanced with geometric patterns and figurative elements. Such sculptural details are distinctive for their upturned noses and sunken, slitted eyes. Both features connote the superior sensory perception associated with leadership. Ndemba are one of three types of hunting whistle carved by Yaka sculptors. They are worn by the heads of annual hunts in which all members of the community participated. The sharp notes of the whistle were emitted both to alert village members prior to the start of the event and to recall the leader’s hunting dog.
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