Pena is a string and bow instrument of
Manipur. It is an important element of the folk music of this region. It is also used for giving accompaniment to many Manipuri dance forms.
A Pena resembles the Lute in Western music. It is constructed by passing a bamboo stick through a half coconut shell, which is then covered with animal skin. A string of horsehair is tied across the length of the instrument, forming its play string. The bow, used for playing, is made of wood containing a curved metal piece at its one end. A string of horsehair is tied from this metal piece to the other end of the wood. Small bells are attached to the metal piece.
