THE JOY OF THE NOSE FLUTE

Instrument playing: Not just for hands and mouths anymore.

TRANSVERSE FLUTE

Played parallel to the ground and out to the side of the performer’s body.

Not played with the nose (successfully).

HAWAII

Ohe Hano Ihu

ohe – bamboo hano – breathe ihu – nose

Used to woo lovers

Played with the nose because it’s pure and innocent.

Two or three finger holes

Varying length

Sweet, soothing sound

PHILLIPINESPitung Ilong

Thin enough to allow for overblowing

Range of two and a half octaves

Plug one nostril when playing for extra air force

Extra holes on sides to allow for numerous scales

Most popular with men

Used in tribes for courting

NEW ZEALANDCarved from soft stone, wood, bone, or ivory

Made of ivory to allow for elaborate carvings on the instrument

Could be modified to be played with the mouth (although a good cleaning is recommended

after the modifications)

Use finger to block one nostril

Two to three finger holes

Two to six inches in length

EDINBORO, PAAlthough not quite as popular as in other cultures, a form of the nose flute can be seen in use by certain individuals in Edinboro, PA. These individuals certainly aren’t successful using this method, but it’s sometimes customary to attempt to play an instrument in a unique manner when not successful playing any instruments the correct way.