History of the Native American Flute
The Native American Flute dates back over twenty five hundred years possibly even longer. Some recent datings take it back as far as 6,000 years. It has always been a "haunting sound" of calmness, inner peace and spirituality. The Native American flute has been reported to be the third oldest known musical instrument in the world.
The origin of the Native American flute has always been a mystery. It may have come about during the time of the Ancient Ones the Anaszis or it might have simply evolved from whistles. Chances are we probably will never know exactly how it came to be. Normally the flute is described as being a courting instrument however; it was used for a number of things that included meditation, ceremonies and maybe even healing.
Traditionally, tribal women would never touch a flute. There are a number of contemporary flute players that still prefer this to be the case. The Elders say that a woman is very powerful and that just her touch on the flute could destroy the flute song and cause it to lose its power to capture the heart of the young lady it was to have been played for. However, the flute has evolved as well as the thinking of most and today we have some wonderful women flute players. Because the Flute is a traditional instrument it should always be treated with the utmost dignity, respect and honor. Learning this is equally as important as learning to play.
Like so many other things in Native American culture the flute was prohibited by the United States Government in most parts of America for a period of time. However, there were those certain individuals on some reservations that kept the flute and its traditions alive, and then people like Dr. Richard Payne came along, developed an interest in the flute and re-introduced it, if you will, to native tribes.
I have never met anyone that did not enjoy the music produced by The Native American flute. The look on their face always amazes me. I call that look "Remembering" The instrument is fairly easy to play but to master the instrument requires intensive practice.
The Native American flute is a wonderful traditional instrument that has been passed down from generation to generation, and this beautiful form of art and wonderful music will continue to be appreciated and loved for many generations to come.
