FLUTES

Flutes of the Native American Indian

Flutes ranged from simple whistles made of hollowed-out small animal bone, to large and colorfully decorated instruments made of carved wood and other elements lashed together. The latter were most common, and as instruments devoted to courting, religious, meditation, and healing uses, no two flutes were alike. Their sizes and forms depended on available materials and the talents of each individual flutist-craftsman. Even the placement of finger holes on the courting flutes was a personal choice. The resulting scale became the player's personal musical expression, and, as the flutes were used as solo instruments, there was no need for more consistent scales.

Our exclusive flutes are made by Marvin Yazzie, a Navajo Artisan. They feature a traditional old time totem and can be made from many different types of wood. We also decorate the flutes in a traditional way.

The traditional ways of flute making were taught to him by a relative, W.F. Coyote.

This flute is made of Utah Spruce and decorated with Tonka's tail hair, deer skins, old trade beads, trade cloth, bone hair pipe, brass beads, etc.

MEDIUM FLUTES: length about 22 to 24 inches, bore size 3/4 to 7/8 inch
Key of F, F#, G

LARGE FLUTES: length about 25 to 30 inches, bore size 1 inch (inside hole) Key of D, D#, E   BASS: Key of C, C# (Bass)