Nose flute and nose whistles : their details here

Have you heard of nose flute? No. Well, it is popular in Polynesia, Pacific Rim nations, and some parts of Africa. It is a flute played by the nose and not mouth. The air is pushed into the musical instrument via the nose. Thus it is a wooden wind instrument. 

Nose flute 

It is common in Polynesia, Hawaii, and certain areas of Africa. It is made of bamboo and is a single piece. It has a hole at the nose area and 2 or 3 fingering holes. Its length is anywhere from 10 to 21 inches. Out of the 2 or 3 fingering holes, one is near the nose area. 

Nose flute (Source: Wikipedia) 

It is considered a courting instrument that is played mostly privately. But it has also been part of chanting sessions, songs, and dance such as hula. 

The African nose flute 

In Africa, there are 8 native ethnic groups in Congo region that play the nose flute. It is part of their traditions, songs, chants, and dances. 

Similarly nose flute also exists in Filipino culture. It is called Pitung ilong. Either right or left nostril is used to produce sound from the nose flute. This Filipino nose flute is very narrow and long. Hence even the relatively lesser amount of air from the nose is enough to produce a good melodious sound from it. The fingering holes change the acoustic length and hence produce different scales. Most nose flute players plug the other nostril to get better air flow and pressure with the blowing nostril. 

Bill Gates and his extramarital affair 

In Southern Taiwan, two-piped nose flute is played. And in New Zealand, smaller nguru is used as nose flute. It is decorated and made of wood from stem of gourd plant and whale's teeth. 

Nose whistles 

On the other hand, nose whistles are played by both nose and mouth cavity. They are used as children toys and also in rituals. They were used during war times and fertility times. They are made of but sometimes plastic, clay, or a sheet metal is also used to create it. 

Nose whistle (Source: Wikipedia)