quena

flute

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July 16, 2026

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The quena is a primitive, vertical, end-notched flute traditionally played by Indigenous peoples of South America, particularly in the Andes region. It is considered a sacred instrument within the Inca culture. Early versions of the quena had four finger holes, with later instruments featuring five or six, suggesting possibilities for different scales and melodies. This flute is a significant example of the wind instruments commonly used in pre-Columbian South American music, alongside drums and panpipes.12

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Latin American music
Pre-Columbian patterns
…known in Quechua as the quena was held sacred. Early examples had four finger holes, but many later flutes had five or six; some scholars have drawn conclusions about scale possibilities from the number and placement of finger holes. Another group of Andean vertical flutes was called pincollos or pincullus.…
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…known in Quechua as the quena was held sacred. Early examples had four finger holes, but many later flutes had five or six; some scholars have drawn conclusions about scale possibilities from the number and placement of finger holes. Another group of Andean vertical flutes was called pincollos or pincullus.…
Read More