Some years ago I was walking through the alleyways of the Hutong in Beijing when my friend and guide Jane exclaimed “Pigeon”. All I could hear was a strange undulating whistle note and returned “don’t be daft woman, that’s no pigeon”.
Within seconds a flock of homing pigeons flew low over my head with this now very loud tune emanating from the flock.
“Pigeon” returned Jane with the tone meaning “You don’t know everything clever clogs”
Apparently one of the flock was fitted with a double tail flute or whistle and this caught the wind as it flew thus emanating the sound. Wow, I was captivated and had to locate one of these items for myself.
As this is another dying custom of Ancient China it was difficult to find much about pigeon whistles and flutes but on a recent visit I struck lucky.
My good friend Wudi introduced me to a unique establisment which translates to “China Fancy Pigeon Conservation Centre”, created by its founded “Wang Shixiang” now ninety three years old. This centre is dedicated to the breeding and preservation of as many ancient Chinese pigeon breeds as possible. It houses some 137 breeds and Wangs interest in many of Chinese cultures lead him to write the definitive book on Chinese Pigeon Whistles.
I was shown around the centre by Mr. Hou the head technician and given a demonstration to the whistles in flight.
Click on the link below to see and hear a little of my visit.
Pigeon Whistles are known as Ge Shao, and can be trased back a thousand years to the Song Dynasty.
The three pipe or triple tubes are known as Sanlian
The round whistle in the top three is known as Jiekou Qixing for seven stars
The multi pipes of the first whistle is known as Shi Yiyan for Eleven eyes.