What is "shawms"

Usage examples of "shawms".

The effect is produced with a minimum of means: the human voice, droning or chanting in low registers, progressing by semi- and quarter-tones, and a small number of wind and percussion instruments - cymbals, bells, shawms, trumpets and drums -which made up the temple orchestra, but also had separate functions.

In this connection it becomes natural that the dances should have been performed according to a precise ritual to the sound of drums, shawms and trumpets, all instruments connected with worship.