Quenacho E - Quenacho Style Flute - Natural Bamboo

The Quena is an ancient tubular flute, native to South America, especially used among the Ecuadorian, Chilean, Peruvian, Mexican, Bolivian, and Northern Argentine indigenous peoples. Its origin is depicted in paintings and drawings made by peoples who inhabited, between 200 BC and 600 AD, the cities of Nazca and Chimu in Peru; where the instrument was once made from llama bone; a typical animal, its first specimens were made from condor bones, stone, or clay, materials later replaced by bamboo and wood, its range comprises the Pentatonic Scale (composed of five notes), used by the ancient Inca people. The name “Quena” emerged as a result of the modification of the word, in the Quechua language: “Kkénakkéna”, “Kjena” and “Khoanna”, when translated into Spanish, it is also known as Qina. The Incas had the custom of depositing flutes and wheat stalks, used in the making of reeds, beside the dead in their tombs, as the use of this instrument was related to fertility, life, and resurrection rituals. The discovery of these sarcophagi established, for some time, the belief on the part of specialists and historians that they were deceased musicians, later proven that such deposit was related to life amulets.

It is a vertical, simple flute, open at both ends; it has an oblique embouchure and its device, located at the top, is formed by a “cut” in the shape of the letter “V”, or Straight; that is, a simple notch called “Fly” or “Bevel”, where the performer’s mouth is adjusted, so that the breath produces the sound effect, which is why it is also known as Fly Flute, in addition to other names that vary depending on the language and location where it is found. As for its measurements, they vary between 15 and 120 cm, and the number of sound holes, according to the type. The most common Quena, with six holes in front, one in the back, and tuned to G; is used as a solo instrument. (CERQUEIRA FILHO, Ilton José de. História da Flauta) The quenacho is a larger quena, with a deeper sound generally tuned to D (D4) or C (C4).