Wind Instrument for Snake Charming (Pungi)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments

Datemid 19th to early 20th Century

Made AtSri Lanka

Collection SiteSri Lanka

MediumGourd and resin or natural material

Dimensions9 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 4 3/8 in. (24.1 × 11.4 × 11.1 cm)

Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection

Object number2015.17.60

DescriptionSnake charming has a strong tradition in various parts of the world, particularly in parts of Asia where the activity continues to this day. Various instruments are used to rouse snakes out of baskets and seemingly transfix them. These instruments include the pungi which as seen here consists of a gourd with a double tubed or chambered flute affixed to the bottom of the roundest part of the gourd. The snake charmer blows into a hole at the top of the gourd. One of the flute’s tubes provides the melody as the snake charmer can utilize its tone notes to create different notes and tones. The other tube provides a steady drone to accompany the melody.

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