Small Flute with Arms

Across West Africa flutes are used to make secular and ceremonial music and to communicate over distances while hunting. Historically, hunting and warfare are closely related, so flutes are also intrinsic to warrior culture and traditional male identity. Flutes are therefore meant to be carried, but not necessarily in hands that may be carrying weapons. For this reason, traditional African flutes often have piercings or loops that allow them to be worn around the neck. Here, the akimbo arms of the flute provide a secure anchor for a lanyard while also presenting an ergonomic handle for the instrument to be played. Holes at the extremity of the arms are the southern ends of channels connected to the hollow heart of the flute. By covering and uncovering one or both of these holes with a thumb and finger, the owner of the instrument can modify its tone while blowing across the top, creating a variety of notes. This example is from Western Burkina Faso. Ex collection Katherine Cline, New York. $150

6.5″

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