A Craft You’ve Probably Never Seen Before | 1,000 Years of Chinese Tradition

Have you ever heard the strange, beautiful sound of pigeons flying high above you?
Many people assume that sound simply comes from the pigeons themselves. But hidden beneath their wings is a tiny handmade instrument — a traditional Chinese pigeon whistle.
With a history stretching back more than 1,000 years, pigeon whistles are an extraordinary part of Chinese folk culture. When specially crafted whistles are attached to trained pigeons, their flight creates a unique sound that can be heard across the sky.
Today, very few craftsmen still know how to make these delicate whistles by hand.
I was incredibly fortunate to meet one of these craftsmen and document the entire process — from the raw materials to the finished whistle, and finally to the moment it takes flight with the pigeons.