Sale 214 Lot 495

BURKINA FASO MOSSI ANTHROMORPHIC FLUTES Set of three patinated Mossi flutes from Burkina Faso which are distinct ceremonial instruments characterized by their vertical, slender form and anthropomorphic or geometric silhouettes. Carved from light-toned wood that has acquired a smooth, handled patina, each flute features a distinctive V-shaped or notched mouthpiece at the top, which tapers down into a cylindrical body often punctuated with small finger holes for pitch modulation. The design is marked by elegant, angular "arms" that flare out from the center, a common motif in Mossi sculptural traditions that mimics the human form while providing a practical grip for the musician. Traditionally, these flutes are played during significant community events, such as funerals, harvests, and masks’ arrivals, where their high-pitched, melodic sounds are believed to facilitate communication with ancestral spirits and ensure the spiritual well-being of the village. Height: 13 inches (tallest flute)
$150-250