Whistle, 1940s
Grasslandsexpand_more
Wood, glass beads, leatherexpand_more
The Rebecca and Ben Field Endowment for Art Acquisitionexpand_more 2010.74.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
The eerie cry of a single whistle is one thing, but an orchestra of dozens of whistles played at a funeral evokes the Otherworld. This whistle is in the stylized shape of a person—a common form among the Bamileke people—wearing a prestige cap that is popular in the Cameroonian Grasslands. A whistle can also be played individually to invoke personal protection. The beads covering the whistle were often used as a sign of wealth among the Bamileke people, who entertained extensive trading networks.
Details
- Title
- Whistle
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2010.74.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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