Wood Block Panpipes
Archaeologists have now found three examples, from diverse periods and locations, of panpipes made from drilling out blocks of wood, rather than the more familiar construction of cane. Two of these instruments dated from the first century CE and were found in Switzerland and Germany. The third was found in the Viking layer of old York, in England. These Viking panpipes have become known as the Jorvik Panpipes, after the old name for York, Jorvik.
Jorvik Panpipes
These pipes were made from a block of boxwood. The tone holes were drilled out with a spoon bit, to varying depths, and may have been tuned with beeswax. In their present state they play a scale close to a modern major scale, though of course they may have been tuned differently when originally played. The pipes have five tone holes, but may have originally had six or more, sadly the instrument is not complete, being broken off through the fifth hole. Five notes was more than enough for the Vikings though, as shown by lyre bridges with notches for only five strings, and survivng Gusli with five tuning pegs found in Russ Viking settlements, so the pipes may have had only five tone holes. They also have a hole for a cord or thong so they could be hung around the neck or from a belt.
Being small enough to fit in a pocket or hang around the neck, and much tougher than pipes made from cane (indeed almost indestructable) the Jorvik style of pipe is a very practical instrument. One can imagine it being the 'cowboy harmonica' of the Viking era, brought out around the campfire or for an impromtu dance session. Other writers have described them as having a thin quiet tone, but our reconstructions are strident and very loud, especially when played forcefully, with a sound that carries a considerable distance outdoors, making them a practical signalling instrument. They can also be played gently to yield a breathy note only audible to the player, no doubt a way of passing the time in the crowded circumstances on board ship.
Our reconstructions of this type of panpipe are made to the same dimensions as the original Jorvik pipe, but because of the rarity of boxwood we make them from a variety of other hardwoods including ash, oak, birch or beech. We also include a leather hanging cord and instruction sheet. These pipes are for sale at £15. Talk to us if you would prefer a particular wood, or would like your pipes personalised in some other way, perhaps with a runic inscription. Click HERE to listen to a Jorvik panpipe. This is a very dry recording in a space with no natural reverb, but it does give an idea of the sound.
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Notes for re-enactors
Although our Jorvik panpipe is based on an instrument from a Viking settlement, it is very similar to instruments found from first century Switzerland and Germany, making it useful for those re-enacting ancient Celtic life or Roman life (Switzerland in this time was under Roman occupation). It can be worn around the neck or tied to a belt making it a useful costume accessory.