trutruka

The trutruka is a traditional wind instrument associated with Mapuche communities in southern Chile and Argentina. It is a long, straight horn that is blown with the lips to produce a deep, resonant sound. The instrument is commonly made from a single piece of wood or bamboo, though variants in metal or animal horn exist, and it typically ends in a flared bell. Lengths vary, often reaching about one to two meters, which yields a notably low pitch that can anchor ceremonial ensembles.

Playing the trutruka relies on lip vibration and breath control, with pitch and timbre shaped by embouchure and air flow. The instrument is usually used in ensembles with the kultrún drum and other percussion, serving to signal, accompany dances, or mark ceremonies such as community gatherings, harvest rituals, and rites of passage. In many communities, the trutruka holds cultural and ceremonial significance and is a symbol of Mapuche musical identity.

In contemporary contexts, the trutruka has been preserved and promoted through traditional performances, educational programs, and fusion projects in Chile, Argentina, and beyond. Musicians explore both historical repertoire and new compositions, reflecting the instrument’s role in sustaining heritage while integrating into broader world music scenes. Variants and regional names reflect the diversity of Mapuche and related traditions, illustrating the instrument’s adaptability and continued cultural relevance.