Ancient Greek double pipes (diavlos)

The aulos was the most popular wind instrument of ancient Greece.

The double aulos consisted of two pipes set at an angle and joined at the base. Each pipe had its own mouthpiece and reed (single or double). When the pipes were of unequal length, one played the melody and the other held a drone (the "ison"). When they were of equal length, playing in unison gave a richer sound.

Using circular breathing and blowing strongly, a skilled player produced a continuous, harmonious sound from both pipes. He often wore a leather band called the "phorbeia", which went around the mouth (with two holes for the nostrils), the cheeks and the back of the head, and was sometimes held in place by a strap over the top of the head.

With its rich, deeply emotional, rhythmic and piercing sound, the aulos alone could accompany dozens of men dancing.