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Whistle

19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Whistles, which may produce three or four notes, are used by musical groups and by hunters for signaling. The whistles sound alternately in the manner of European and hand-bell ensembles, with each performer producing a different pitch or pitches. A voice might also supply certain notes. This Janus-head form, with finger holes in each "elbow," is similar to other whistles which suggest a human anatomy.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Whistle
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)
  • Culture: Mossi or Guronsi People
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: Height: 19 5/16 in. (49.1 cm)
    Width: 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
  • Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-whistle
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Gifts of June Fenton and Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. F. Sichel, by exchange, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.89.1
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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