Pigeon whistle
China; Beijing
Collected by James P. Howe, 1930s
9-9622 (pig shape)
Attached to the tails of pigeons, these tiny wind instruments create a whistling sound as the bird flies. Because they are made of diverse materials and shapes, each produces a different sound. Pigeon whistles, which seem to have been invented in Beijing around 1700, are often attributed to named makers. This example is from a collection of over 200 gathered in China by James Howe, who liked to entertain his guests with "whistling pigeon" shows.
(Photograph 9 of 15)
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