Flute
The flute, or best known by its Persian name ney, is a musical instrument that was found in Iran as far back as the 6th century BC. The ney was used by shepherds in rural areas and by musicians in high courts. Another specific context associated with the flute is Sufism. It was used by Sufis in their remembrance ceremonies and had symbolic significance. This flute is made of animal bone and bears cross-hatching designs and patterns that consist of x’s, angles, diamonds, and dots-in-circles. The dots-in-circles is a motif of magical and apotropaic significance. It most likely functioned as an abstract eye to ward off the evil.
Artwork Details
- Title: Flute
- Date: 9th century
- Geography: Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
- Medium: Bone; incised
- Dimensions: H. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
W. 1/2 in. (1.2 cm)
LengtH. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
3 holes Diam. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm), 3 holes 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) - Classification: Ivories and Bone
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
- Object Number: 38.40.239
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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9th–10th century
9th–10th century
9th–10th century
9th–10th century
9th–10th century
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