Pigeon whistle

A pigeon whistle of the gourd type with three pairs of sub-whistles. The pigeon whistle, known in China as geling 鴿鈴 or geshao 鴿哨, is a small musical instrument belonging to the Aeolian group of musical instruments. It is attached to the tail of a pigeon with the help of a spindle, so that it emits a sound when the bird flies. The whistle is usually made of light materials such as gourd and bamboo, and is lacquered. In many cases, manufacturers ornament them with engraved patterns and ivory decorations. In China, the pigeon whistle has been used since at least the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Carrier pigeons are said to have been used in Beijing instead of telegrams. One of the most important reasons for the use of pigeon whistles is apparently to allow a pigeon owner to distinguish his own birds from those of other owners by means of their characteristic sound. The efficacy of whistles in deterring birds of prey is also frequently mentioned. Other sources mention the sounds of pigeon whistles as characteristic and recognisable.

Skušek’s collection of pigeon whistles contains three different types of instruments, distinguished by their shape: gourd, tube, and combined, of which the gourd type is the most common. This one is a smaller pigeon whistle of the gourd type, the size of a slightly larger walnut, with three sub-whistles. It features a black floral pattern on a yellow background. The specimen has two peculiarities typical for the gourd type of pigeon whistle in the Skušek collection. Pigeon whistles of the gourd type are on the small side and consequently have fewer pairs of sub-whistles. They are also distinguished by their exterior, which is colourful and features floral patterns on a white or dark red background, unlike the other pigeon whistles from the Skušek collection and other whistle types. The construction quality and sound of pigeon whistles depend on their maker, of whom some engrave a special mark (Chinese script) or logo on the instrument. In the case of this pigeon whistle, it is the character yin 尹. (KH)