Quena

=Quena=

Culture (Music)
The Andean flute is the best-known wind instrument in Peru and dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It is usually made of a tube of cane, bone, wood, or sometimes plastic with one of the ends made into a mouthpiece. It is, by far, the most popular musical instrument in Peru. It features 5 or 6 soundholes and the range of notes will vary depending on how the musician blows through the flute. They come in different sizes, depending on where you are in Peru.

The quena is normally in the key of G, with G4 being the lowest note (this is with all the holes covered). It is traditionally used in Andean music. In the 1960s and 1970’s it was used by various groups, including Illapu. This was not a standard instrument, but was used by various different artists. In the 1980s and 90s some rock groups incorporated the quena into their songs. It is also very popular in World music. Quenas are played in pairs, for harmony, and in Peru you can find them made from the leg bones of a condor.

A popular phrase in many Andean towns, "vamos a ir a la quena", which meant “we will go to the quena) was used to threaten little children, because according to popular beliefs the instrument was also used to whip.

By: Laura Reed