The tarka (Quechua, Aymara: tharqa) is an indigenous flute of the Andes. Usually made of wood, it has 6 finger holes, fipple on mouth end and free hole on distant end. The tarka is a wooden duct flute. It is a rich dark reddish color and carved from one piece of wood. In cross section, the pipe is rectangular, except in the center where the sides

The tarka (Quechua, Aymara: tharqa) is an indigenous flute of the Andes. Usually made of wood, it has 6 finger holes, fipple on mouth end and free hole on distant end. The tarka is a wooden duct flute. It is a rich dark reddish color and carved from one piece of wood. In cross section, the pipe is rectangular, except in the center where the sides are cut inwards to form a rounded triangular cross section. The six finger holes are bored along the apex of this triangular segment. The rectangular sections at top and bottom are decoratively carved with animals and geometric designs. The back is smooth. Total length 31 cm (12.2 in.), of which 1,05 cm (0.41 in.) is the mouthpiece; width of body 3.5 cm aprox.(1.4 in.); height of body 2,05 cm (0.80 in.); x 2.5 cm; bore 12 mm (0.5 in.)