What is "xutuli"

Xutuli is a musical instrument used during the Rongali Bihu festival in Assam, India. It can either be made from clay or the lower end of a bamboo tree which is left after the main part falls or is cut off (Assamese: বাহঁৰ মূঢ়া). Detail about this musical instrument can be available in xobdo.

The instrument is shaped like a half moon. It is believed that initially instruments of this type developed from the hard shells of fruits like coconut, and then similar shapes were made from potter’s clay. These instruments imitate the sounds of animals and birds and produce a flute-like sound. They were initially used as toys and only later finally developed into musical instruments. In ancient China a similar instrument was called a “xun”.

Instruments like Xutuli are believed to have existed since prehistory. Remnants of have been found in different archeological excavations. From the shape and sound of Xutuli, it can be deduced that this instrument imitates birds. In Assamese folk culture, people believe that the sound of Xutuli invites rain.