The erke, also known as erque, coroneta, or quepa, is a large labrosone (lip reed) instrument. It is native to the Gran Chaco region of Bolivia, northern Chile, and the northwest part of Argentina.

Construction

The erke is made up of two or more pieces of cane. These pieces are joined at the ends to form a single tube. The inside parts of the cane are removed. The outside is often covered with gut or wool. One end usually has a part that makes the sound louder. This part is made of cow horn or brass. You blow air into the other end. The instrument can be three to seven metres long.

History

In the second half of the 1900s, Andean folkloric musical groups used the erke for non-religious music. However, among the indigenous and criollo peoples of the Andes, the erke is used only for religious or ceremonial purposes. Traditionally, although not often, only adult men play the erke. It is considered improper to play the erke outside of a ritual. The erke is commonly played during winter, as people believe that playing it in spring or summer might cause snow.