Inca Mythology: Make a Siku

A siku is an Andean pan pipe. Pipes such as these were important in Inca culture, and remain a prominent feature in Andean music. In this activity, students will make their own sikus.

The teacher begins this activity by playing some Andean pan pipe music, showing students the Andes on a map, and discussing the ways in which Inca culture remains part of the lives of Native Americans in countries like Peru. The teacher shows a picture of a pan pipe (or, ideally, an actual pan pipe) to the students and explains they will build their own.

Students need ten drinking straws each (they can bring them from home, or the teacher can provide them) and a pair of scissors. To make the pipe:

1.  Set aside two of the straws. Cut the remaining straws so that each is one-half inch shorter than the next. The first straw is uncut. The second straw is one-half inch shorter than the first. The third is one inch shorter than the first, and so on.

2.  Cut the remaining straws into equal pieces. These pieces will be used as spacers between pipe pieces.

3.  Arrange the straws from longest to shortest (left to right) with the tops of the straws lined up.

4.  Put spacer pieces between each part of the pipe so they are an equal distance apart.

5.  Tape the pipe in position, making sure the tops of the straws stay in alignment.

6.  The pipe is finished. Cover in paper and decorate if desired. Blow across the tops of straws to play.