S. californicus

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Catalog # Name Description
1 1970.78.14.2 Flute This is a Quena flute and is native to the Andean region in Peru. It is traditionally crafted from Totora, a kind of giant bulrush sedge. It produces a much darker timbre than the metal western flute and tends to be shorter. These flutes are still used today, gaining popularity in the 60s and 70s among many contemporary musicians; this trend lasted until the 90s though it is still heavily used among native musicians. Though this Quena is made from Totora, in some Peruvian communities you can find them made from leg bones of Condors. The Quena has six finger holes on the top and one thumb hole on the bottom. Both ends are open, though carved differently to produce the music. 1970.78.14.2 (Flute) image