MUSIC MUSEUM OF NEPAL

Pinwaachaa:

The Kathmandu Valley’s Jyapu caste traditionally played the Pinwaachaa. This bamboo instrument (38cm-50cm long) had fallen into disuse but has been reinstated, following research, by NFMIM. The body of the Pinwaachaa, which is 12-15cm diameter and 15cm deep, is covered in goatskin on the front but the back is left open. Melodies of various folk songs and prayers are played on its two gut strings using a bamboo and horsehair bow. According to belief it was used to accompany Daaphaa Bhajana Mandali in earlier times.