The ancient Greeks called it Askavlo (Aski - skin, Avlo - flute).The Pontian Bagpipe constructed of lamb skin, a blow pipe and the double reed chanter.

Only played in small villages near Trabzon, today you will only find it being played near the villages of RIze. The Pontians in Greece tend to affiliate with

Depending on the player the blow pipe is fitted with a stop valve which allow air to flow only one way (in and not out). Some musicians prefer to use their tongues.

The Chanter which creates the sound consists of two reeds which sit in two flues. Each flute has five hole (so you have two sets of 5).