Bolivia
Bolivian 

Wood
Mid-20th century
Length:  15.125 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge-blown Flutes

The quena (kena) is an end-blown flute with a ‘V’ shaped notch at the top of the instrument.  It comes from the highlands of the Andes, and it is said that they predate the Incas. This one, made in Bolivia is tuned in G major (15 inches) and is made of wood, while most are made of bamboo.  It has 6 finger holes and one thumb hole.  It produces a very “textured” and “dark” timbre because of the length-to-bore ratio of about 16 to 20 (subsequently causing difficulty in the upper register), which is very unlike the tone of the Western concert flute with a length-to-bore ratio of about 38 to 20.

Archaeological finds include quenas made of clay, stone, and bone.  Its musical voice can range from celebration to mourning.