Bungkaka Bamboo Instrument

A bungkaka, also known as the bamboo buzzer is a percussion instrument (idiophone) made out of bamboo common in numerous indigenous tribes around the Philippines such as the Ifugao, Kalinga, and Ibaloi. Bamboo buzzers among the Kalinga are referred to as bungkaka or bilbil depending on the village. These instrument is played by women and is believed to drive away evil spirits when walking along lonely mountain trails. Measures 39cm (L) with a diameter of 3cm | 15.75 inches (L) x 1.25 inches diameter The instrument is constructed from a length of buho (bamboo) with a node at the bottom end. The upper half is shaped such that there are two tongues facing each other, while the bottom end acts as a resonator chamber.