Q'ero PaqosSKU: QF1Quena Flute 15"

Handmade Andean Qero Quena Flute in Jacaranda Wood 15"

£56.00 RRP£58.00 Save 3%
Handmade Andean Qero Quena Flute in Jacaranda Wood 15"
£56.00 RRP£58.00
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Q'ero Paqos Shaman Handmade Andean Quena Flute in Jacaranda Wood 15″
Traditional Peruvian End-Blown Flute • Jacaranda Wood • Ceremonial & Folk Music

This handmade Jacaranda Quena flute is a traditional wind instrument from the High Andes of Peru. Tuned in G and crafted from sustainable jacaranda wood, it carries the clear, haunting tone for which the Andean flute is known.

The Quena is one of the oldest instruments of South America, used across Peru and Bolivia in ceremony, celebration, and traditional music. Unlike recorder-style flutes, it is end-blown, with a carved notch at the top that requires breath control and focused embouchure.

This is a more refined flute that rewards practice. Its deeper tonal warmth and expressive range make it especially suited for musicians seeking an authentic Andean sound.

Each flute is supplied in a locally handmade sheep’s wool cloth case. Colours vary — red, blue, purple and natural tones — reflecting the individuality of each artisan piece.

Product Details:

  • Design: Traditional 6-hole Andean Quena flute with thumb hole
  • Tuning: Key of G - (not guranteed)
  • Length: Approx. 15″ (38cm)
  • Diameter: Approx. 3cm
  • Material: Sustainable jacaranda wood native to the Amazon
  • Mouthpiece: Traditional notched end-blown design
  • Sound: Warm, resonant, expressive Andean tone
  • Supplied With: Handmade local sheep’s wool carry bag (colour varies)
  • Craft: Handmade using traditional Andean methods
  • Fair Trade: Ethically sourced supporting local artisan communities
  • Origin: High Andes, Peru

Important Notes

This is a traditional end-blown flute and requires practice to master the embouchure technique.

As each instrument is handmade from natural wood, slight variations in grain, tone, finish, and case colour are natural and expected.

Case bag colours vary due to local wool availability and artisan design.

About the Andean Quena Flute

The Quena is one of the most iconic instruments of the Andes. Traditionally played in Peru, Bolivia, and surrounding regions, it is deeply woven into Andean cultural identity.

Made from wood — in this case jacaranda — the Quena produces a distinct, airy tone that can sound both mournful and uplifting. Jacaranda wood is valued for its strength, durability, and rich resonance, offering deeper tonal warmth than bamboo.

The Quena is played by closing the top between the chin and lower lip and directing air across the carved notch. Because it has no built-in mouthpiece windway, it allows for greater tonal expression once mastered.

Traditionally, the Quena has been used for:

  • Folk and traditional Andean music

  • Ceremonial gatherings

  • Celebrations and festivals

  • Shamanic and spiritual contexts

  • Personal musical exploration

Its sound is often described as haunting, soulful, and deeply expressive.

Playing the Quena – What to Expect

The Quena requires more breath precision than recorder-style flutes. Sound is created by blowing across the top notch, similar to blowing across the rim of a bottle.

Beginners may find the first clear tone takes patience. With practice:

  • Breath control improves

  • Tone becomes stable and resonant

  • Higher registers become accessible

  • Expressive phrasing develops

The effort required to learn the Quena is part of its beauty — it invites dedication and presence.

Basic Playing Guidance

  • Hold vertically with left hand on top and right hand below

  • Cover all six front holes and one thumb hole fully

  • Rest the notch just below the lower lip

  • Direct airflow downward across the notch

  • Begin gently — increase air pressure gradually

  • Lift fingers one at a time to explore scale changes

With consistent practice, the Quena reveals its full tonal depth.

Who Uses the Quena?

The Andean Quena flute is used by:

  • Traditional Andean musicians

  • Folk performers

  • Ceremony facilitators

  • Cultural practitioners

  • Wind instrument enthusiasts

  • Musicians exploring indigenous instruments

It remains one of the most recognisable traditional instruments of Peru.

FAQs

 

Is this suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for dedicated beginners, though it requires patience to master the blowing technique.

Is it tuned to a specific key?
Yes, this flute is tuned in G.

Are all flutes identical?
No. Each is handmade from natural wood and will vary slightly in grain and tone.

Does it come with a case?
Yes, it includes a locally handmade wool carry bag. Colours vary.

Disclaimer

This instrument is a traditional cultural wind instrument. Any symbolic or ceremonial references reflect Andean tradition and are not intended as medical or therapeutic claims.

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