This wooden flute/whistle from Burkina Faso, carved into a phallic form, exhibits a lovely smooth, golden patina. In the Mossi culture, flutes/whistles such as this were played by recently initiated males during masquerade ceremonies. The flute would have been hung around the initiates’ necks, as indicated by a knuckle on the front of the flute.
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
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