Nose flute

Japanese: ノーズ･フルート（英語表記）nose flute

A general term for flutes that are played by pressing the nostrils against the mouthpiece and blowing with the breath from the nose. Also called a nose flute. In addition to vertical and horizontal flutes, there are many other types, such as a ball-shaped flute made from a gourd. In ancient folk beliefs, it is believed that the human soul resides in the breath from the nose, and the nose flute is thought to be deeply connected to this belief. In Oceania in particular, it is strongly associated with rituals praying for a good harvest. Generally, only one nostril is used; in Polynesia, the right nostril is used, and in Melanesia, the left nostril.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

歌口に鼻孔を押しつけ，鼻息で吹き鳴らすフルートの総称。鼻笛ともいう。縦笛や横笛のほかに，ひょうたんを用いた球型笛など多種の形式のものがある。古い民間信仰には，鼻息に人間の霊魂が宿っていると考えることがあるが，ノーズ･フルートはこの信仰と深く結びついていると思われる。特にオセアニアでは豊作を祈る儀式との関連が強い。一般には片方の鼻孔だけを用い，ポリネシアでは右の鼻孔，メラネシアでは左の鼻孔が使われる。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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