Pibau Pan / Pan-pipes
- Accession no: 68.11
- Collection: Casgliad Offerynnau Cerdd Ethnograffeg Prifysgol Bangor / Bangor University Musical Instruments Collection
- Name: Pan-pipes
- Place: Portiwgal / Portugal
- Collector: Peter Crossley-Holland
- Description: Flutes and pan-pipes have dominated musical activity in several cultures since before the advent of written historical documents. Archaeological evidence from Jorvik (present-day York) indicate that the Vikings produced their pipes by carving a solid piece of wood (unlike other communities, where individual 'blow-holes' were fastened together in line).
This example was carved in the shape of a horse's head and would have been played by an afiador (Portuguese for 'knife sharpener'), who would roam the countryside sharpening knives, scissors and ploughshares as well as castrating sheep and goats. As he approached a village or town, the sound of the xipro would be heard as a warning for local shepherds to gather their flocks together. The instrument was also used for purely recreational purposes - during fiesta celebrations and asado events. - Summary Description:
- Copyright: Prifysgol Bangor / Bangor University