Bamboo flute from Sepik region, Papua New Guinea

Dimensions: 50.5 cm x ⌀1.8 cm.

This bamboo flute is a traditional and sacred instrument from the Sepik region. The sound of the flute is considered to be the voice of a specific ancestral spirit. The use of the flute is strictly reserved for initiated men. Non-initiates are not allowed to see the flute, which is why it is kept in the haus tambaran (ceremonial men's house).

The flute is played by blowing air into a side hole at the top of the instrument.

Please note: the bamboo has some cracks at the end.