Western Pyrenees,  Bay of Biscay (Northern Spain & Southwestern France)
Basque People

Wood, metal, pigment
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 19 inches
Wind Instruments – Woodwind Instruments – Flutes

One-handed fipple flute called a ‘xirula’ (shorter instrument than the ‘txistu’) that has become a symbol for the Basque folk revival. Basque Country is a name given to the home of the Basque people who are located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between southwestern France and northern Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.  The name of this fipple flute (‘xirula’) may stem from the general Basque word ziztu “to whistle.”  Traditionally it is played with one hand while the other hand holds a drumstick to play the tabor drum (small snare drum) that hangs from a strap over the left shoulder.   

This xirula is carved from light wood with two finger holes at the lower end, one thumb hole in the back, and a metal mouthpiece. It is highly stylized and features incised floral and geometric carvings along with a central male figure carved in low-relief with a red and black hat and black vest. There is a wide disc-like band just below the second finger hole near the bottom. The metal mouthpiece is also stylized in shapes including the moon, blending with the wood in a cutout finish.