Whistle Item Number: 1977.480 from the MAA: University of Cambridge

Description

Set of two single stopped whistles with internal ducts and without finger holes. Pitch is F and D. Repaired in Cavendish Lab. 1971. Numbered 147.; Good

Context

The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; The flutes are made from a single branch of wood, split, hollowed and the two halves re-united and bound with string. The sound of trumpets and whistles signalled the arrival of supernatural beings during the Winter Ceremonies, and of transformation from initiate to possessed person. Each whistle was especially consructed to give a different tone, and represent considerable skill on the part of the maker (G.Crowther).