![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/9E4470C7-9218-485A-92E1-ACE3D77F09A2/2A52XEW.jpg)
Whistle, late 1800s. Carved out of ivory or wood in a variety of shapes, Chokwe whistles often bear miniature, stylized renderings of masks. Cikunza, the "patron saint" of the boys initiation into manhood, is depicted with a pointed extension imitating the horn of a road antelope, symbolizing the fertility spirit. Typically such whistles were used by men during the hunt to communicate with their co-hunters and to call their dogs. They were either worn attached to a string as a necklace or tied to a spear.
Size: 2224px × 2944px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 19th, africa, angola, art, carved, central, century, chokwe, cleveland, congo, democratic, heritage, ivory, late, museum, people, republic, unknown