Water Spirit Flute Item Number: 2716/13 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large flute in two pieces. Thin, carved, black, wood figure, with large winged bird on its head, has braids of plant fibre with shells and bone and a long, elephant trunk-like nose hanging down, and a long red and white tail. Figure's face is covered with tattoos in beige and red. The upper figure (part a) fits into the flute section (part b) which is a large piece of bamboo, with a large hole top and bottom, covered with carved and stained black designs, and with reed basketry at top and base.