Most snake charmers use a wind instrument called a pungi or a been. The pungi is a two-note flute made from a gourd that the snake charmer holds in his mouth and the been is a four-note horn made from a gourd that the charmer wears around his neck. These instruments make a repetitive droning sound that appears to soothe the snakes.
There is some evidence that the sound of the pungi or been affects the nervous system of the snake causing it to become sluggish and docile. However it is more likely that the snake’s response is due to the charmer’s movements. When the charmer sways his body and bobs his head to the music the snake responds by moving its head up and down in a similar fashion.
The snake charmer’s movements also help to keep the snake’s attention focused on him. If the charmer were to stop moving the snake would likely become bored and wander off. In some cases the charmer may also use a stick or a piece of cloth to further keep the snake’s attention.
The use of music to soothe snakes is not a new phenomenon. Snake charmers have been using music to control snakes for centuries. The first recorded use of music to tame snakes was in ancient Egypt where priests would play harps and flutes to calm the snakes used in religious ceremonies.
Today snake charming is mostly seen as a form of entertainment. Snake charmers often perform in public places such as market squares or city streets. They may also give private performances for parties or special events.
what is the name of the instrument that snake charmers use?
the instrument that snake charmers use is called a flute
how does the music from the flute affect the snakes?
the music from the flute lulls the snakes into a trance
what do snake charmers do with the snakes once they are in a trance?
snake charmers will often dance with the snakes or put them in baskets
are all snakes affected by the music from the flute?
no not all snakes are affected by the music.
Some snake species are immune to the effects of the flute
where do snake charmers typically perform?
snake charmers will often perform in public places such as markets or parks
how long does it take to train a snake to respond to the flute?
it can take weeks or even months to train a snake to respond to the flute
what happens if a snake charmer does not play the flute for a while?
if a snake charmer does not play the flute for a while the snakes will become less responsive to the music
what is the most common type of snake used in snake charming?
the most common type of snake used in snake charming is the cobra
are there any dangers associated with snake charming?
yes there are dangers associated with snake charming.
Snakes can become agitated and bite the charmer or spectators
what is the best way to avoid getting bitten by a snake?
the best way to avoid getting bitten by a snake is to not handle them
how do snake charmers capture the snakes?
snake charmers will often capture the snakes in the wild
where do snake charmers get the flutes that they use?
snake charmers typically make the flutes themselves
what type of wood is used to make the flutes?
the flutes are typically made from bamboo
how long are the flutes?
the flutes are typically about two feet long
what is the goal of snake charming?
the goal of snake charming is to entertain spectators
