The Native American flute, also known as the Indian flute, Anasazi flute, Courting flute or Love flute is a woodwind instrument in the fipple flute family. It is characterized by its distinctive sound and appearance.
Cultural Significance
Native Americans have revered the flute as a sacred and ceremonial instrument for thousands of years. This cultural and personal instrument was typically handcrafted from wood, cane or bone by men. The flute was played in ceremonies, courtship, and for the sheer pleasure of creating music.
Design
The Native American flute is traditionally constructed from natural materials such as cedar or redwood, although modern versions can also be made from synthetic materials. These materials impart to the flute a mellow, warm, resonant tone.
The flute typically consists of a main tube with holes for fingering and a fipple, which is a wedge-shaped piece of wood that creates a sharp edge against which the player blows. The flute may also feature decorative elements such as carvings or inlays.
Playing technique
The technique is quite different compared to the conventional flute. This flute is held near the bottom. The player blows across the open top end, directing air across the fipple. The fingers then cover or uncover holes in the flute to alter its pitch.
The Native American flute is distinguished from other flutes by the use of circular breathing. This circular breathing technique involves continuously blowing air into the flute while simultaneously taking breaths through the nose, allowing for uninterrupted sustained notes.
Sound and musical characteriststics
Due to the simple construction, the Native American flute is limited to a small number of notes, typically no more than an octave. However, its soulful and haunting sound resonates with the human spirit, capable of evoking emotion, tranquility and a sense of connection with nature.
Each flute is unique in terms of its tonality, due to the specific wood and construction. The notes produced are more muted and ethereal compared to the higher pitched concert flute.