sikuri

Sikuri is a term used in Andean music to denote both the siku panpipes and the ensembles that play them. The sikuri belongs to the siku family of panpipes, common in the highland regions of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and neighboring areas. A typical sikuri instrument set consists of two rows of pipes bound together in a frame, with pipes of varying lengths arranged to cover a diatonic scale. The upper row sounds higher pitches, while the lower row produces lower ones.

Playing technique usually involves two musicians facing each other, each handling one row of pipes. Sound is produced by blowing across the open ends of the pipes, and the parts are typically performed in interlocking patterns, creating a continuous, layered texture rather than a single melody. The arrangement allows for rich harmonic and rhythmic interplay within traditional dances and rituals.

Culturally, sikuri music is a traditional part of Indigenous celebrations, religious ceremonies, harvest festivals, and social dances. It is particularly associated with Aymara and Quechua communities, though it has spread throughout the Andean region and beyond. The music often features cyclical patterns and repetitive motifs that accompany communal dances and processions.

In contemporary contexts, sikuri ensembles appear in regional folk performances, urban revival scenes, and world-music projects. Some groups incorporate additional percussion or other Andean instruments while preserving the core panpipe tradition, contributing to a broader appreciation of Andean sonic heritage.