“Waqra phuku” is the Quechan name for this instrument, which was invented by indigenous peoples of the Andean Mountains after the colonial Spanish arrived in South America. It is sometimes also called a “huajrapuco,” among other names. It commonly accompanies a small “tinya” drum during rituals typically related to stock branding, but it also has a place in bullfighting. Traditionally, men play the waqra phuku while women play the tinya.

Also, according to tradition, when one waqra phuku is made from an animal’s horn, the other horn is also used to make one, one being “male” and one being “female,” the two being performed together by a designated “teacher” and “disciple” partnership. The playing of the waqra phuku largely depends on lip vibrations, and the characteristic tonality of the instrument comes from being played in harmony with its “sibling.”