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Pigeon flute

Multi tube whistle with gourd resonator. Large head plug made of calabash, and six smaller plugged whistles made of bamboo (two of them on main head). Foot is missing. 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: 75mm. Width (at tip of side whistles): 95mm