The Been, also known as Pungi, is the instrument used by snake charmers in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.
The first information on charming serpents from ancient Egypt, although this phenomenon as we know it today comes, almost certainly, India, extending later to the Middle East and North Africa, since Hinduism has long held the snake as a sacred animal, the snake charmers still people allegedly influenced by the gods.
The snake charmers are now endangered, since in India, for example, has a law that prohibits the take ownership of snakes, although the government allows a limited number of charming to act on some sites tourist.
As for the snakes, some of them removed the fangs or venom glands and even get them to sew the mouth. The snakes used by snake charmers usually cobras or snakes, although there are many others. The
Been usually made with cabbage, wood and resin, with a very rudimentary and of poor quality. In the next image we see a Been brought from India I had in my possession:
This Been has three trombones and a vibrator and has seven holes. The
Been shown in the picture below, however, has just two trombones and six holes and is made of rosewood.
As for the technique to play the Been, noted that snake charmers use circular breathing, consisting of breathing while producing sound in the instrument.
Been With this last is the one that is played the following video, an improvisation:
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