The Aulos

 

The aulos, or reed flute, was a wind instrument that sounded more like the modern oboe than the modern flute. The body of the flute, made of metal or wood, had finger holes and sometimes had keys. The mouthpiece, which rarely survives, could hold one or two reeds, which would vibrate when played, producing the distinct tone of the instrument. The aulos was commonly played in pairs, as seen in the reconstruction of the funerary stele of the flautist.