Whistle

Description:	This whistle was purchased from the Cameroon Handwork Cooperative (a program initiated by the Peace Corps) in Western Cameroon in 1964, where it was made by an artist of the Bamenda peoples. The horn-like design on the mouthpiece probably represents the horns of a water buffalo, an animal that is often represented in Bamenda hats and royal accessories to symbolize power and strength. Whistles like this one were blown to send messages and also played during the annual Lela festival. Still held in Bali, Cameroon, Lela festival is a four day celebration, usually held in December, when people give thanks for the year that has passed and pray for good things to come in the new year.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/375
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	Cameroon
Subjects:	Cameroon Cameroon -- Social life and customs Rites and ceremonies -- Cameroon Bamenda (African people) Bamenda (African people) -- Social life and customs Whistles Dance -- Cameroon Music -- Cameroon Musical instruments

Further information on this record can be found at its source.