"Ludaya (side-blown flute)"

This flute is made from the flower stalk of a giant African lobelia, a plant that grows on Mount Elgon in Uganda. Ludayas are played only by the men of the Gisu people and are played for personal enjoyment, during parties, and to entertain chiefs and other important persons.Left hand thumb closes near end; far end is opened or closed by right hand index finger. As with the Seljefløyta, its musical scale is produced by interlocking the overtone series of stopped and open flutes.

Ludaya

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Ludaya (side-blown flute)

Alternative Title

Ludaya.

Accession Number

2044

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

1968

Period

20th century; 1960s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Popular instruments display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

No information recorded.

Description

Technical Description

Open side-blown flute; made from flower spike of giant lobelia (`mudaya'); no finger-holes; left hand thumb closes near end; far end open, or closed by finger.

Provenance

on loan to the Collection.

Classification