instrument gallery logo
Brazilian Samba Nose Whistle

There are a wide range of samba whistles found in Brazil, almost all of which imitate some form of bird. he most versatile of these is the nose whistle. Caved from a single piece of wood this whistle is played by blowing air from the nose into the top hole while manipulating lips, tongue and soft palette while keeping an open mouth. This whistle imitates a wide range of jungle birds that no other instrument can, especially in the hands of a good performer. There are plastic replicas of these whistles called “Humanatones” that are a very poor imitation of the original.

Country: Brazil
Region: South America
Type: whistle / percussion

Toroise Rattle of the Ojibway
©  R. Raine-Reusch, May 2002