A temporary woodwind instrument made from nature.
A temporary woodwind instrument made from nature. Children harvest a hollow, green stem from a papaya (pawpaw) leaf. They carefully slice a small, angled slit near one closed end to act as a reed or fipple. Blowing through the stem produces a high-pitched, trumpet-like tone. Advanced players cut small finger holes along the length to change the pitch.
Wherever you grew up — Kingston, Montego Bay, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami — if you remember playing this, we want to hear from you. Send us your story, your photos, or an old video. Every submission helps preserve this game for the next generation.
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