Accession Number
2015/2.182

Title
Whistle

Artist(s)
Chokwe

Artist Nationality
Chokwe (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
ivory

Dimensions
2 ½ in x 1 ½ in x 1 in (6.35 cm x 3.81 cm x 2.54 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Robert M. and Lillian Montalto Bohlen in memory of Nancy Turner Bohlen

Subject matter
Up until the mid-20th century, whistles such as this 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
A whistle in the shape of a figure. Four horizontal holes, two at the head and two at the base, and one larger vertical hole at the base.

Primary Object Classification
Musical Instrument

Primary Object Type
whistle

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
communication systems (mechanical and electrical systems)
hunts
pendants (jewelry)