Nepal
Nepalese

Metal, brass
19th century
Length: 9 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 a transverse flute from Nepal, and while most bansuri are made from bamboo or a turned wooden tube, this one is made from brass with a Ganesha mounted on the cap (cork stopper).  It has six finger holes and one thumb hole.  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.  It is used in Hindustani classical music and may be referred to as nadi and tunava in the Rigveda and other Vedic texts of Hinduism.  In the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal it is played in groups by Newar farmers during processions, to accompany dance, lifecycle, and other rituals.

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