Borrindo - A Sindhi Wind Instrument

Zeenatnama | Volume 1 | Sindh | Babar Mangi plays the Borrindo

Zeenatnama | Volume 1 | Sindh | The Borrindo

The borrindo (also spelled borendo or bhorrindo) is a traditional wind instrument from Sindh, Pakistan, with roots tracing back over 5,000 years to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, particularly the city of Mohenjo Daro.

It is connected with the famous "Dancing Girl" bronze statue, discovered in Mohenjo-Daro in 1926, which is a symbol of the civilisation's rich artistic heritage. Alongside such iconic artifacts, simpler but culturally significant objects like the borrindo, also found during excavations along with terracotta figurines and toys, show that music and play were integral to the lives of the ancient Sindhi people.

This simple yet culturally significant instrument is crafted from soft alluvial clay, abundant in the region. It is a hollow, spherical or ovoid vessel resembling an ocarina, featuring three to four finger holes arranged in a triangular pattern. Sound is produced by blowing across the largest hole while covering and uncovering the smaller holes with the fingertips to create different notes.

Traditionally, the borrindo was played by herders and villagers during leisure time, such as while grazing cattle. Its straightforward design made it accessible to both children and adults, with some artisans enhancing its aesthetic appeal through intricate designs and firing techniques. In recent times, musicians like Zulfiqar Ali have expanded the instrument's musical range by adding extra holes, enabling it to produce a wider array of notes.

This simple yet culturally significant instrument is crafted from soft alluvial clay, abundant in the region. It is a hollow, spherical or ovoid vessel resembling an ocarina, featuring three to four finger holes arranged in a triangular pattern. Sound is produced by blowing across the largest hole while covering and uncovering the smaller holes with the fingertips to create different notes. Traditionally, the borrindo was played by herders and villagers during leisure time, such as while grazing cattle.

Its straightforward design made it accessible to both children and adults, with some artisans enhancing its aesthetic appeal through intricate designs and firing techniques. In recent times, musicians like Zulfiqar Ali have expanded the instrument's musical range by adding extra holes, enabling it to produce a wider array of notes.

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This piece has been contributed as a part of Notes on the Zeenatnama by Daadlo Sain.