Sinuun

Sinuun is a fictional traditional wind instrument from the lore of the Arin archipelago in speculative world-building. It is a hollow tube, typically 50–70 cm long, with a mouthpiece and a row of finger holes. Materials include bamboo, wood, or bone, and the bore is commonly conical, yielding a bright, penetrating tone.

Playing and technique: The sinuun usually covers about two octaves. Players adjust pitch with embouchure and fingerings, and some regional styles employ half-holing for microtonal color. In many performances, the sinuun is paired with a drone pipe to add harmonic texture and depth to the music.

Cultural role and history: The instrument figures prominently in rites of passage, storytelling, and seasonal ceremonies. Transmission is informal, often within families or local guilds. The sinuun first appears in Arin chronicles from the 12th century, though oral tradition traces earlier regional practices and notes influences from neighboring cultures through maritime exchange.

Variants: Some versions include a reed mouthpiece or an attached drone; hole counts range from six to eight, affecting scale and fingering and enabling regional stylistic differences.

Symbolism and significance: In its fictional setting, the sinuun embodies communal memory and craftsmanship, valued for its expressive range and its role in uniting performers and audiences during public events.