Flute

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Culture Chimú

Title Flute

Date 10th–late 15th century

Medium Bone

Dimensions Object: 15/16 × 4 3/4 in. (2.4 × 12.1 cm)
Overall: 15/16 x 4 3/4 in. (2.4 x 12.1 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 72.21.7

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About this Work

Music played an important role in the Chimú culture, as well in the Inca Empire that conquered them. Music was played to heal the sick as well as at major life events such as funerals and during war. Additionally, music was used to communicate with ancestors. Decorated with birds and small concentric circles this flue is carved from bone.

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Flute | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=72.21.7