Kaval
The kaval while similar to the Syrian nāy is found in southeastern Europe and Turkey. Obvious differences between the two endblown flutes are the material used and the arrangement and number of fingerholes. This boxwood flute, used as a pastoral instrument, has been turned on a lathe. The term kaval is also used for duct flutes.
The names of musical instruments often reveal origin, context, or musical function. In Europe, North Africa, and Asia where contact with Middle Eastern culture occurred, variations of Arabic and Persian terms for instruments are widespread. Usually, related names refer to similar instruments; however, this is not always true. Among these "floating terms" are the names zūrna, rabāb, kāmanja, nāy, and dombak.
The names of musical instruments often reveal origin, context, or musical function. In Europe, North Africa, and Asia where contact with Middle Eastern culture occurred, variations of Arabic and Persian terms for instruments are widespread. Usually, related names refer to similar instruments; however, this is not always true. Among these "floating terms" are the names zūrna, rabāb, kāmanja, nāy, and dombak.
Artwork Details
- Title: Kaval
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: Turkey
- Culture: Turkish
- Medium: Boxwood
- Dimensions: L. 18 1/2 × Diam. 13/16 in. (47 × 2 cm)
- Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole-end-blown flute (vertical)
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.436
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Syrian
19th century
Iranian (Persian)
late 19th Century
Turkish
19th century
Manol (Emmanuel Venios)
1916
Indian
late 18th–early 19th century
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