North India
Indian

Wood, cane, metal, fiber thread
Mid 20th century
Length: 16.5 in w/reed; 14 in w/o; Bell diameter: 3 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Reedpipes

The shehnai is a double-reed conical oboe of North India. This shehnai is made of wood, except for a flaring decorative painted metal bell attached to the bottom of the instrument.  It measures 16.5 inches in length, with seven keyless finger holes along the front side of its body, and the pitch range is two-octaves.  A set of quadruple reeds are attached to a long neck pipe (bocal) wrapped with pink and red string and is inserted into the opening at the top.  A  short, spiked brass key is attached on a rope, for tuning the thick double layered cane reed.  The performer must employ various embouchure and fingering techniques to master this instrument, as it is quite challenging to play.

Like the nagaswaram of southern India, the shehnai is possibly a descendent of the Persian surna and is played on auspicious occasions, such as weddings and temple festivities, as well as at concerts.  It was a part of the Naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found in the royal court.