Thailand

Thailand

Wood, bamboo, metal
Mid 20th century
Length: 17.75 in (including brass tube), Bell diameter: 3.25 in, Mouthpiece aperture diameter: 0.75 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Reedpipes

The term pi is a generic name for double reed instruments in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.  In Thailand there are two main oboe types, those with a mostly cylindrical bore – pi nai, which is also seen in this collection and those with a conical bore resembling a Middle East and Asia oboe, seen here and called the pi chawa.  

This instrument has two main parts.  First, the top which is a long conical shaped tube made of a dark stained wood, with seven finger holes and a thumb hole.  Second, the bell part that is conical shaped and crafted from different wood, with a rim that is convex or flared up at the bottom.  There are some incised decorations near the top; a brass tube for the double reed, while originally there was an additional metal disc (pirouette) for the player to rest their lips against for support as they enclosed the reed; and a small ring of brass at the top of the bell section.   According to David Morton and Terry E. Miller, this instrument is mostly played with the klawing kaek (double-headed cylindrical drum) to accompany traditional Thai fencing and boxing.

Reference: “Pi,” David Morton/Terry E. Miller, “The Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments,” 2^nd ed., Vol. 4., Lawrence Libin, Editor in Chief.  Oxford University Press.