Description: The Shenai' is a aerophone which belongs or is classified as a double reed instrument. This instrument is found through out India, South Asia (in regional variations). For example one can find a Nepalese variation of the shenai, and in Bhutan the instrument is called a "Sahanai". This isntrument is often played with percussion, and like the bansuri circular breathing is used. Uusually this instrument has eight finger holes, and the two specimens I have, possess an metal bell in their construction. Also a brass tubing which contains the reed. The santur player Shiv Kumar Sharma' one one elbum, had the shenai as accompinament (considered inovative for the usage of this tradtional instrument). The shenai is also found its use in auspicious cermonies "weddings and so forth", and other important lunar, or anual festivals. Type: Double reed instrument, "shawm", "oboe".
Region: India, South East Asia.
Acquisition Date: Circa year 2004 / 2005.
Acquisition Source: Ian MacKenzie, (trip to india/Nepal)
Description: The Shenai' is a aerophone which belongs or is classified as a double reed instrument. This instrument is found through out India, South Asia (in regional variations). For example one can find a Nepalese variation of the shenai, and in Bhutan the instrument is called a "Sahanai". This isntrument is often played with percussion, and like the bansuri circular breathing is used. Uusually this instrument has eight finger holes, and the two specimens I have, possess an metal bell in their construction. Also a brass tubing which contains the reed. The santur player Shiv Kumar Sharma' one one elbum, had the shenai as accompinament (considered inovative for the usage of this tradtional instrument). The shenai is also found its use in auspicious cermonies "weddings and so forth", and other important lunar, or anual festivals.