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1884.111.34

Reed nose-flute, covered with burnt designs, closed both ends, sound hole each end, one finger hole. [FC 25/07/2011]

On display

1884.111.34

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Collection type
Object
Description
Reed nose-flute, covered with burnt designs, closed both ends, sound hole each end, one finger hole. [FC 25/07/2011]
Long description
Reed nose-flute, covered with burnt designs, closed both ends, sound hole each end, one finger hole. The decoration on the flue consists of geometric designs, mostly triangular and circular. [FC 25/07/2011]
Date / Period
Date made: Possibly before 1881
Date collected
?Prior to 1881
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Reed Plant, Material Bamboo Plant, Process Decorated, Process Perforated, Process Burnt, Process Pyroengraved Pokerwork
Dimensions
Diameter: max 37 mm, Length: max 771 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.111.34 Other numbers: 130 E 7 PR no.: 96/ 12099
Research and responses

Widely made and used in every region of the Pacific except Australia, nose flutes are played with the nose rather than the mouth. To do so, the musician generally holds one nostril shut with the thumb or a finger and sounds the flute by blowing into a small hole drilled near the top of the instrument with the other. Nose flutes are almost universally made from bamboo and, like other small bamboo flutes, are typically used in informal settings. In Fiji nose flutes were played by both sexes to provide soothing music when at rest or during courting. The melodies, composed of from two to four notes, were quiet and plaintive, providing a relaxing interlude or softly enticing a current or prospective lover. [FC 26/07/2011]

This object was examined by Steven Hooper (UEA) during a research visit in December 2011. He made the following comments: This was possibly made by a Solomon Islander living in Fiji, so there is a mixture of styles. A three-holed flute is not typically Fijian, but the design looks Fijian. [El.B 13/12/2011]

Search terms: Music, Musical Instrument, Flute

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