Georgian folk music instrument | wind instrument | Larchem-Soinari | Pan Flute |

Larchem-Soinari is an old Georgian wind musical instrument that represents multiple pipes of varying lengths. Typically made of bamboo or cane, tied together in a bundle. Sound is produced by blowing air across the open tops of the pipes, which are closed at the bottom, creating a wind instrument's characteristic tones. Panpipes are ancient and have been found in various cultures worldwide, particularly in South America, Oceania, and parts of Asia and Europe.  

In Georgia, panpipes originates from the western part - Samegrelo, where it is called “Larchemi”, and the Guria region, where it is called “Soinari”. Six bamboo pipes with different lengths are tied together with leather, and all of them produce their own tune. It originally comes from shepherds’ being and was used to gather herds and flocks. Shepherds used three distinct tunes while tending herds: one tune was performed to head the herd to the grassland, a second was performed when the herd was driven back from the grassland, and a third when the herd stayed in the pasture. So, the instrument served as signal equipment for the flock to give direction.