A reported mythical manifestation, usually experienced as pipe music from an unidentified musical instrument.
He told me it had three faces. One to play its pipes of scrimshawed bone, one to scream its dying battle cry and one that would not open its mouth, for when it did blood and sodden soil flowed out like a waterfall. Those arms that did not play the pipes were gripping blades and guns and spears, while others raised their hands in futile supplication of mercy, and one in a crisp salute. It wore a tattered coat of wool, olive green where it was not stained black, and beneath, nothing could be seen but a body beaten, slashed and shot and until nothing remained but the wounds themselves.
From the Statement of Clarence Berry
Librarian’s Note: A story in the Leitner Library book called The Boneturner’s Tale describes the making of a “bone flute” which may be related to The Piper.