HAND MADE INDIAN SNAKE CHARMER BEAN (Pungi-flute) It is called the snake charmer bean or flute or the Pungi. Bean is the snake charmer's instrument. The instrument, a type of folk clarinet with two pipes, may have originated in the Middle East. It is the Indian brother of the Egyptian arghul, and designates a double clarinet very similar to the murali clarinet although with a larger register. The word Bean or Pungi in the Indian language simply means "tube" or "pipe", and is a generic term for many reeded noisemakers. Snake charming is the practice of apparently hypnotizing a snake by simply playing an instrument. A typical performance may also include handling the snakes or performing other seemingly dangerous acts, as well as other street performance staples, like juggling and sleight of hand. The practice is most common in India, though other Asian nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia are also home to performers, as are the North African countries of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The Bean is typically one to two feet in length., and is made of bottle gourd or coconut which has been dried, resembling the shape of a light bulb. It consists of two reeds or bamboo tubes, one of which is for the melody and the other is for the drone. The two tubes can be made of different materials. To play the Bean, or snake charmer flute, the musician needs to learn a technique called circular breathing, as the melodies normally do not allow for pauses. The snake charmer can be played for its interesting sounds or used as a decorative item and conversation piece. Brand New, made from rose wood. Measures 42cm. Sounds very beautiful Low pitched.Defective or damaged items are eligible for replacement.Giftable item Non refundable.