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The siku is a traditional wind instrument of the Andean high plateau, usually consisting of two rows of cane tubes of different lengths, similar to a pan flute. The sounds are produced by blowing over the hole of each of the tubes perpendicular to its axis, resting the lower lip on the rim. It is an instrument that is present in most traditional homes.
Whoever plays a siku is a sikuri. In the framework of a band, it is played in the form of a dialogue in which the melody is constructed by alternating the execution of the notes that form it between two or more musicians, accompanied by drums, snare drums, and matracas.
Offering their music to the Virgin and pilgrimages during Holy Week or other religious festivities are the most important events for the sikuris bands. In the last decades more and more women are participating in the sikuris bands. There are even several all female bands.