Pinkillo: musical instrument of Bolivia

The pinkillo also means “flute”. The pinkillo is a flute that is found all over the Andes that are used primarily in Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia and usually played with one hand leaving the other hand free to accompany oneself on a drum. It is also used in many public festivals and other kinds of communal celebrations.

source of picture: landofwinds.blogspot.com

The pinkillo is about 20 cm long and has six finger holes. It is commonly carved out of cane and can be made from other types of trees like the bamboo, bone or any other tree branch. In Bolivia and Peru, the instrument can be tied together with the use of sheep and llama nerves. It is often typically referred to by the material it is produced of.

The pinkillo has great cultural meaning. In the Andes, the pinkillo is played during the early rainy season to celebrate in honor of cattle as well as farming. The instrument is wet with alcohol or with water before it can be played and are linked with fertility. This musical instrument is often played in pairs or groups during the rainy season and many festivals. In Bolivia, it is believed that the instrument when made from the cane can attract the rain to fall.