Nepal
Nepalese

Metal, wood
20th century
Length: 17.5 inches
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge-blown Flutes

Bansuri is a general term used for flutes of various types originating from the Indian subcontinent.  This bansuri  is an edge-blown transverse flute from Nepal. Unlike the India bansuri made of bamboo, the Nepali bansuri is made from wood.  It has deep carved ridges and ferrules with metallic decoration inlaid and circular bands. The end, closest to the blow hole, is closed and supports a wood tassel, while the opposite end is open. There are six finger holes in the front and one thumb hole at the back.  The wood has a very dark brown applied stain.  In Nepal, the bansuri is a very popular folk instrument used for entertainment, played in groups by Newar farmers in procession and to accompany dance, lifecycle, and other cultural rituals.
The musician creates the notes by tapping the various finger holes while blowing across the aperture hole at the upper end, holding it in a horizontal position.  

Resource: ‘Bansuri,’ Genevieve Dournon, Mirelle Heiffer, “The Grove Dictionary Musical Instrument,” 2nd ed., Vol 1. Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press.