A Pende anthropomorphic ivory whistle

Democratic Republic of Congo, 19th century

H. 12 x W. 7 x D. 1 cm

Among the Kwilu Pende (and to a lesser extent, the Central Pende), men prized whistles as works of art. Usually carved in hard wood, they were made in an astonishing variety of forms. By far, the most common use for whistles was in hunting, to call and direct dogs. However, certain Kwilu chiefdoms also kept certain whistles earmarked for war, many sculpted in ivory.

Provenance:

- Private Collection, Germany

- Private Collection, Belgium