The World of the Panflute

I went on a world wide journey which enabled me to take these photographs. The context of this documentation consists of Panpipe players and group players from all over the world. In 20 countries of the world this instrument is still being played. The history of the birth of this instrument goes back to the Stone Age. They are made in two different styles-one is a bundle flute and the other one is a row of tubes which are tied or glued together. They are made out of different materials: wood, reed, bamboo, clay, bone, stone, glass, feathers of a condor bird, metal like gold, silver or brass. We can find the panflute in many cultures: Egypt, Greece, Etruscan Culture, but also a part of the old cultures of South America and in old China. In some cultures, the Panflute has survived up to the present time. I have tried to show my love for this instrument with these pictures. On this occasion I want to thank all the people who have contributed to my work. I wish the best to all of you and much joy and pleasure with my work as a Panflute player and a photographer.

Sincerely yours, Andreas Gmelin.

The photographs and documentation are executed by Andreas Gmelin from Switzerland and will be published in the book: The World of the Panflute

Panpite group from Peru. In the background is the old Inca town of Machu Picchu. Name of the panpipes: Toyos and Zampoñias.	Panpipe players from Otavalo, Equador. Name of the panpipe: Rondador.	Panpipe player from the vilage Mugureni in Oltenita, Romania. Name of panpipe: Nai.	Panpipe player group from Cuo-Cuo, Peru. Name of the panpipe: Sicuris.
Panpipe player from the Are-Are Culture from Malaita, Solomon Island, South Sea. Name of the panpipe: Bundel Panpipe.	Panpipe player from Shanghai, China. Name of the panpipe: Pai-Xiao.	Panpipe player from North Potosi, Bolivia. Name of the panpipe: Hula-Hula.	Panpipe player from Are-Are Culture from Malaita, Solomon Island, South Sea. Name of the panpipe: 'au tahana.
	Panpipe player from the village Paratia in Peru. Plays at the sun festival Intiraimi (June 24th) in Cuzco. Name of the panflute: Lamacati.	Panpipe player from the highland of Papua New Guinea. Name of the panpipe: Bundel panpipe.

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