421.111.12 Open single end-blown flute with fingerholes

Kena (quena) notched end-blown flute.

This kena was made in 1990 by Adrian Villanueva, an instrument maker based in La Paz. Bolivia. Mr. Villanueva provided the following information about the instrument’s construction: he buys the reed to make the body already cut and dried from the market in Walata. When he has completed the instrument, a KORG electronic tuner is used to ensure it plays at the correct pitch. The kena has a European-style tuning and is played in urban ensembles in Bolivia alongside instruments such as the kenachio, the charango, the bombo drum, the guitar and the zampognas (a type of panpipe).

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
M20-1990
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 380 x 32 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
bamboo; nylon
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
LOCATION
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Collection Information

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