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Whistle

Chokwe

Artwork Details

Whistle
circa 1920
Chokwe
wood and leather string
5 9/16 in x 1 7/8 in x 1 13/16 in (14.1 cm x 4.7 cm x 4.6 cm);5 9/16 in x 1 7/8 in x 1 13/16 in (14.1 cm x 4.7 cm x 4.6 cm)
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.202

Description

Subject Matter:

Up until the mid-20th century, whistles such as this object were used during the hunt to communicate with fellow hunters and dogs. The whistle is carved as an anthropomorphic representation of an ancestor, a chief or a masked figure and therefore also functions as a status object. The whistle was either worn on a string as a pendant or it was tied to other objects. 

Physical Description:

Anthropomorphic whistle with facial features, round torso and two round protrusions extending from the sides of the torso. The piece is hollow. 

Usage Rights:

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