Description:

Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wooden flute carved in a human shape that represents a particular clan and its totems, with a striated pattern incised across the entire surface adding to its aesthetic. This flute with an opening at the neck and four small soundholes, two positioned at the shoulders and two at the lower end, just above the abstract pentagon-shaped terminus, is of a medium size and would have been used at village festivals and to honor deceased elders of a community. Accompanying balafons and drums during mask performances and ceremonies, such flutes have traditionally been played solo or as part of an ensemble. Flutes like this example play several notes to produce a complex but somewhat repetitive song. Metal stand. Size: 3.375" W x 10.75" H (8.6 cm x 27.3 cm)

The Lobi people were originally from Ghana. About the year 1770, they resettled in Burkino Faso and about 100 years later to the Ivory Coast as well.

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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#112159

  • Condition: Intact with expected surface wear and nice deep patina.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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