421.141.12

'Talking Whistle', one of a pair with M14.3.61/4. These end-blown flutes are 'notched flutes'; they are held vertically, and the player's breath is directed against top edge of the flute which is cut in a U-shaped notch.

The term 'notch flute' refers to the U-shaped cut at the top of the instrument. They are held vertically, and the player's breath is directed against the lower edge of the notch. This pair of flutes is associated with the Igbo speaking peoples of Nigeria. Igbo is a tonal language, meaning that different pitches can give words different significance. The flutes are probably intended to imitate the pitches used when speaking the language.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
M14.3.61/5
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 255 x 55 x 45 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; skin; animal fibre; textile
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
LOCATION
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Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

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