Mat

Mat generic term in ancient Egypt for flutes and reed instrs., also transcribed as ma', mait, met. The flutes were of cane or metal, 90–100 cm. (3 ft.) long, ca. 1 1/4 cm. wide, with 2–6 fingerholes at the lower end, end-blown, without mouthpiece. Flutes dating from the Middle Kingdom have been excavated, with wide bores, fingerholes spaced far apart. The oboes were shorter, ca. 60 cm. (2 ft.) long, of cane, with a slightly narrower bore than that of the flutes, and were always played in pairs…