Northern India / Nepal

Rajasthans 

Bamboo, gourd, wax, resin
Height: 17 inches
Mid 20th century
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Reedpipes

The pungi is an important instrument in Indian folk culture found in India and Nepal, and is known by various names in different parts of India, while called a bin or bean in Nepal.  Sometimes considered a double clarinet, it consists of two small cane (or bone) pipes, one a melody pipe with various finger holes and one a drone pipe that may or may not have holes.  The tops of these pipes are affixed into a bottle gourd (tumbda) with wax and resin.  Depending upon the region, and how musically developed they are in various areas, some have a wooden wind cap to blow into.  The performers use a technique called circular breathing (naksasi) consisting of breathing air in through the nose while simultaneously blowing out through the mouth.

This pungi has a carved wooden mouthpiece and no finger holes on the drone pipe.    It is an important instrument played to accompany the Kalbeliya dances.  The quality of its sound encompasses the three basic musical elements of Indian music, drone, melody and rhythm.  The performer taps the holes on the narrow pipe with finger holes to create a mesmerizing sound.