Old Luba Shankadi Whistle – DR Congo – Beautiful Item

Wood. Cm. 14,0 high (6.51″). Grams 63,6 (2.24 oz).

This beautiful Luba Shankadi multi-purpose whistle is a prestige object, is used in communal hunting, draw attention to special events like the arrival of a king, but is most commonly used by ritual diviners, who use whistles to summon the spirits. In addition to rattles and bells, whistles were and are an important instrument for invoking the spirits’ attention and trust.

The face shows some of the attributes important to Luba Shankadi esthetics, including an elegant coiffure. Though the whistle’s carved images are inverted when played, the depictions may add to its prestige.

m24