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Transverse flute

This is a side-blown flute with a large bore that resembles the sacred flutes from Papua New Guinea. These are made from a hollow tube of bamboo with a single circular embouchure hole. They are usually played in pairs ("male" and "female") and almost in ceremonial and ritual context, restricted to men. Different pitches are obtained by overblowing or using techniques like covering the end with a finger, or the entire palm of the hand. This instrument could have probably been gathered by a soldier during some campaign in that area.

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  • Decorative elements:Pyrographic geometrical designs on the surface overall.
  • Inscriptions:
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:421.121.12 Open side-blown flutes with fingerholes
  • Repository:National Museum of the Royal Navy
  • Measurements:Length: 810mm