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TRADITIONS & UTENSILS

 

 

 

  pungi (been)

 

India

A Hindu in New Delhi playing the pungi, a flute-like instrument also known as been, which is made from a gourd and typically played by snake charmers (fig.). In addition to their pungi, snake charmers always hold on to a short stick to distance any cobra that approaches too near. The pungi is somewhat reminiscent of the Chinese hulusi (fig.).