The siku-malta panpipes consist of a double rank (row) of seven bamboo pipes. The ends of the pipes in the rank nearest the player are stopped by a node, and each produces a single note. All the pipes in the rank that are furthest from the player are open, and produce harmonic effects when they are blown simultaneously with the front rank. These panpipes are played with another set of siku-malta panpipes (Museum no. M24-1990), 'hocket' - style, with the two pipers playing alternate notes.
This instrument is played as a pair with the malta siku panpipe Museum number M24-1990. Each piper plays alternate notes of the melody, a style known as hocket.