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Pigeon flute

Double tube whistle entirely made of bamboo. Foot on smaller sized tube. These whistles would be attached to the pigeon's tail feathers. Its particular sound would keep a flock together and would frighten away hawks and other birds of prey. This instrument was displayed at the Chinese Court of the International Health Exhibition of 1884.

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  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:421.112.2 Stopped panpipes
  • Repository:Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Measurements:Height: 76mm. Width: 56mm