The diple
Tomo Mirković
Goričan, the beginning of 20th century
beef horn, bulrush
cutting, carving
length = 20 cm
diameter = 3,1 cm
lenght of chanter = 12,5 cm
the distance between the holes = 1,8 – 2 cm
Et 9020
The Collection of Musical Instruments
The diple are made of two thin reeds which are interconnected using wax and which are painted brown. A cattle horn is attached onto it. The reeds function as chanters. Five holes are drilled on the reeds’ front sides. Finger-holes are cut alongside the holes. Both chanters are sharply cut on the upper section. Each contains one mouthpiece.
This diple were made in Montenegro, near Podgorica. The instrument was made by Tomo Mirović from the village Goričan. To play it both mouthpieces (sticking out of the chanter) are put into mouth and blown into.
The diple skill is taught since early age. Information from Montenegro attests to this - there is information about a boys’ competition in holding their breath while one of them is counting and saying “Pili, vili, dipili.” (Širola: 1937: 84)
