You have to buzz your lips like you are playing a trumpet or tuba, and because it is so long, you have to blow a lot of air to get it to make a sound. The pfilka was much easier for me, which makes sense, considering that I play the flute back home.
Many Mapuche musical instruments serve both religious and non-religious functions. The kultrun drum, for example, is a key part of Mapuche religious and healing ceremonies. When played by a machi, or community healer, the kultrun takes on especially important functions as its rhythm helps to connect the machi with their ancestors and heal patients from illness. People also play the kultrun during political protests, community celebrations, and music recitals. Unlike other instruments, the kultrun is usually played by Mapuche women rather than men.
The kultrun is frequently used as a symbol of the Mapuche people. For example, an image of the kultrun appears on the Mapuche flag, and Mapuche organizations often incorporate it into their logos. The design of the kultrun represents the Mapuche universe. You’ll notice that most kultrun have a design painted on top divided into four parts. The number four is incredibly important for the Mapuche people, and many sets of four are represented through the kultrun. These sets of four include the four cardinal directions, the four seasons, and the four central figures of Mapuche's spiritual beliefs: the old woman, the old man, the young woman, and the young man.
