Whistle

This particular whistle is made from an aspen branch or a similar shrub that is cut during the spring months when they contain sap.

One had to wait until spring to cut the branches when they were full of sap. A piece of branch "approximately four inches long and about half an inch in diameter" was cut with a knife. Cut a notch, about one inch from the end, and strike the bark with the handle of the knife to loosen and remove it from the wood. Cut a small opening was cut with the knife to blow into, then slip the bark back into position and the whistle will be ready to play.

Centre for Acadian Studies at the Université de Moncton. Information: Cyriac Brideau Collection: Lucie LeBouthillier, Moncton (N.B.)