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Whistle

late 19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Sub-Saharan whistles, which may produce three or four notes, are used by musical groups and for signaling by hunters. When played in groups, the whistles sound in alternation in the manner of European hand-bell ensembles, with each performer producing a different pitch or pitches. A voice might also supply certain notes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Whistle
  • Maker: Bobo Fing or Samo tribe
  • Date: late 19th century
  • Geography: Dedougou or Tougan region, Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)
  • Culture: Burkinabe
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: L. 50 cm (19-11/16 in.)
  • Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-whistle
  • Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1976
  • Object Number: 1976.10.9
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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Whistle, Bobo Fing or Samo tribe Burkinabe, Wood, Burkinabe
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Whistle, Bobo Fing or Samo tribe Burkinabe, Wood, Burkinabe
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